dan snyder just wants to meet with as many draft prospects as he can to pad his ego and feel more important. he did the same thing in the coaching search. napolean complex toolbox.

But it got me thinking about Zorn and the unavoidable 3rd and 5 situations we'll be in. Any predictions or theories on Zorn and how he'll approach it? As long as JC isn't throwing 5 yard outs on 3rd and 10, I'm game.

Posted by: Dorf | April 25, 2008 2:18 PM

Zorn was in charge of developing the "3rd and long" plays for Seattle when he was the QB coach there. It was his contribution to the weekly game plan for the Big Man. Given that, it is quite possible that the Redskins will show dramatic improvement in third down conversions with Zorn in charge. (Zorn loves gadget plays also, so we should probably be prepared for just about anything.)

One standard West Coast approach to 3rd and long is the 3-step or 5-step slant pass to either the slot receiver or the tight end in the middle of the field. We'll probably see lots of variations off those.

This is the Redskin Insider I used to know. Finally back to good info I have not seen before. Good Job Jason, keep up the good work.

Hey everybody, I just hope Vinny and Danny do some real drafting, and someone please keep them from the phone trying to trade valuable picks for malcontents like CJ!

Just watching the NFL top 10 Draft Day Deals.

#5 was Seatlle traded the 1st pick in the draft to Dallas and they got Tony Dorsett (He didn't want to play for a expansion team).

So, the JLaC of the Cowboys said 'If the Seahawks didn't trade the pick, they would've had Jim Zorn, Steve LArgent, and Dorsett. And they would've been unstoppable.'

Wow...Just wow.... Is all I have to say....

Plus they showed highlights that included JZ playing like the original Mike Vick/Steve Young.

Makes me like the coach a little bit more...

Posted by: 4th | April 25, 2008 10:00 PM

The only thing snyder should be doing in the war room is saying " welcome to the redskins family " to the player that FOOTBALL men decide to draft.. and then to send Redskin One to go pick them up. THATS IT. SO tired of him setting this team back with his impulse buys.

May the football gods be with us tomorow..
Hail

The only thing snyder should be doing in the war room is saying " welcome to the redskins family " to the player that FOOTBALL men decide to draft.. and then to send Redskin One to go pick them up. THATS IT. SO tired of him setting this team back with his impulse buys.

May the football gods be with us tomorow..
Hail

Snyder talks to these guys to improve on his football intelligence. I think that this has been well documented already....

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2007/04/id_take_okoye_would_you_say_la.html

Any thoughts on who the hot players are that teams want to move up for? Brohm? Flacco? Something other than QB's? Mayo?

Are y'all watching the NAts game!

Walk-off Home Run by some guy I never heard of (Neves) who hit his 1st homer! Priceless....

Go Nats!

mtnskinsfan - Something tells me that there will many QBs taken late in the 1st, especially if the Falcons and/or the Ravens pass on a QB. Some 'mock experts' think that Miami and Atlanta might try to take a QB with the 1st and 3rd pick in the 2nd round......

Hey mtnskinsfan - PFT thinks like the 'mock experts' as well.....

"TRADE TALK FOCUSES ON LATE FIRST ROUND
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 25, 2008, 3:27 p.m.
Much of the draft talk today is centering on picks late in the first round, where a number of teams seem to think the best quarterback value can be found.

It appears that a few teams that have high or mid-first-round picks are interested in quarterbacks Brian Brohm of Louisville, Joe Flacco of Delaware and Chad Henne of Michigan but don't think they're worth taking before about pick No. 20. Other teams that have high or mid-second-round picks want a quarterback but worry that they'll be off the board by the time their picks come up.

As Mike Sando of ESPN.com notes, the Dallas Cowboys are a team to keep an eye on. Dallas has twice traded picks in the 20s to teams that used those picks to draft quarterbacks: Buffalo in 2004 with J.P. Losman and Cleveland in 2007 with Brady Quinn. This year the Cowboys own the 22nd and 28th picks.

Seattle, which owns the 25th pick, could also be involved in such a trade. Seahawks President Tim Ruskell said Thursday that he would consider trading out of the first round.

"

http://sportsclass.spruz.com/main.asp

I did a full NFL mock on my site

Posted by: KW | April 25, 2008 9:55 PM

That's nice, but we still don't care.

http://video1.washingtontimes.com/redskins/2008/04/41_years_of_21_david_elfin.html

my dog just pooped on my toothbrush.

Merling Solidifies First Round Status
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roy Philpott
WarpathInsiders.com Apr 24, 2008

CLEMSON -- Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning wasn't about to miss Phillip Merling's Pro Day, which was held Thursday on the football practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center.

"He said he wanted me to be out here," the Clemson coach said. "There's no way I'm going to miss this. Not after he played hurt for me all last season, and never once complained."

Merling, who declared himself available for Saturday's NFL Draft in January, worked out in front of 15 NFL teams. It was the first time the 6-foot-5, 290-pound defensive end worked out in front of NFL coaches and executives since he had surgery on a sports hernia about two months ago.

It was also somewhat of a risky move to make considering the draft is just two days away and he is almost a sure lock as a first-round pick.

"I just didn't want him to get hurt," Merling's agent Jimmy Sexton said.

But against the advice of his agent, Merling held a 27-minute workout in which he did basic drill techniques, while trying to prove he was quick and agile enough to drop back into zone coverage and make plays.

"For him being out here just the little bit of time that he has, I thought he did a good job," Merling's personal trainer and former New York Jets defensive line coach Deny Marcin said. "He held up well, did all the drills, cutting, I thought he did good."

Sexton held the former Clemson defensive end out of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last February when they discovered Merling was suffering from a sports hernia that he apparently first injured during camp last August. When word got out that Merling was suffering from the injury and had surgery, his draft stock - once projected as a top 10 pick - dropped to the middle or late first round.

Merling said he decided to work out today, though it could only hurt his position in the draft, to prove to NFL coaches and scouts that he was ready to play football and that the injury wasn't going to hold him back.

"I wanted to show them that I can move," he said. "I wasn't trying to go for it or nothing but I just wanted to prove that I can move, and hopefully I proved to them that I'm healthy right now."

Marcin clarified that Merling wasn't 100 percent healthy, but that's not what they were trying to prove to the coaches and executives who were on hand, including a coaching posse from the Washington Redskins that included team owner Daniel Snyder among others.

"We told the guys he has only been out here for a couple of weeks. It's not like he has been training for this for two months so I think he held up very well," Marcin said. "They (Merling and his agent) felt he was ready enough, but the guys that are here know he isn't 100 percent yet, but I was impressed. I thought he did well."

Merling was definitely very impressive during his junior season at Clemson. His team-high 17 tackles for a loss, including team-best 7 sacks, never gave an indication he was playing hurt. He also finished the year ranked fifth on the squad with 78 tackles, 16 more tackles than last year's No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft and former teammate Gaines Adams had during his senior year of 2006.

"Teams are worried about him having the surgery and if he is healthy," Merling's uncle and former position coach at Clemson Chris Rumph said. "If he is this, can he go? I think the purpose of this is to show that 'yeah I'm not 100 percent, but I'm not out here limping on one leg and that I will be able to go by the time camp and stuff starts.'

"I know how competitive he is, and how bad he wanted to prove to people that he was healthy and was ready to go for the draft. Once he made his mind up that he wanted to go, Jimmy was like okay let's do it."

Now the question is where will Merling go?

Before Wednesday's big trade that dealt Kansas City defensive lineman Jared Allen to Minnesota for their first-round pick, the thought was Merling might go to the Vikings at No. 17. Now, many experts believe he will go to Washington at No. 21, though there is still a slight chance the Carolina Panthers might pick him up at No. 13.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who were also in attendance Thursday and have the No. 23 pick, are also shopping for a defensive end of Merling's size and athletic ability to maybe come in and be a backup to Aaron Smith the next couple of years. But it's believed the Steelers will perhaps wait for the second or third round before picking up a defensive end.

"I don't know, I'm not smart enough to figure that draft stuff out," Rumph said when asked about where he thinks his nephew might go. "You have a couple of different guys. You got some guys that are all into the numbers and they want to see him run around in shorts and t-shirts. They look good, but when you put on the film, the film doesn't match the workouts.

"But if you look at the film and watch this kid, it's a no brainier. Those are the two type guys. There are teams that believe in the film and there are teams that believe in the workouts. It all depends on what they are looking for."

Merling just hopes whatever any of them are looking for they found it in him on Thursday.

"They're going to get a player. A football player," he said. "I'm a football player. I'm going to compete every single day in practice on the football field. I don't care if I play a three technique, at nose guard, linebacker or defensive end; I'm going to give it my all. I don't care.

"That's thing about me. I don't care where I go and (where) I play. As long as I gave it my all, that's what I'm going to do."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Story URL: http://was.scout.com/2/749410.html

4th hopefully one of those teams will want to jump up to #21 to get ahead of someone trading for the Cowboys pick at #22. Who knows? I still kind of hope Merling is the pick though. He may not be the fastest DE out there but sounds like he's fast enough and plays with a lot of heart.

Apparently JLaC's sources are the same as Rich Tandler's (or maybe Rich Tandler or his blog) because the exact same thing was posted on his blog 14 minutes earlier before this post.....

http://realredskins.com/2008/04/25/trade-downtwo-interested.aspx

Dexter Manley
DE | (6'2", 282, 4.679) | WEST TEXAS A&M
Scouts Grade: 30
View by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag | All Ranked Players | NFL Draft History
You are signed into Insider and have access to the exclusive draft content below.

Strengths: Has good upper body strength, flashes a powerful punch and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. Is tough and plays with a mean streak. Plays with a good motor, athletic enough to slip blocks in space and can make plays in pursuit. Has an explosive first step, is fast enough to turn the corner and closes quickly. Flashes the ability to change directions quickly, has active hands and is capable of developing an arsenal of pass rush moves. Times jumps well and is capable of tipping passes when doesn't get to the quarterback. Is a ball hawk and looks to strip the ball when gets to the quarterback.

Weaknesses: Plays too high, lacks elite size and can get driven back. Has limited playing experience, is raw and has some problems locating the ball. While has skills to improve in this area doesn't force offensive linemen to move feet enough and can be neutralized when doesn't win with first move. Plays with a narrow base, doesn't always protect legs and can get knocked to the ground by cut blocks. While durability isn't a substantial concern at this point missed most of the 2007 spring practices with a stress fracture in left foot and needs to stay healthy to gain much-needed experience.

Overall: Manley originally attended Santa Monica College before arriving at Oregon in 2006. During the 2006 season, he appeared in 12 games (zero starts) making eight total tackles, four tackles for loss, and three sacks. Manley missed three games due to injury at Santa Monica in 2005. He is also the son of former NFL great Dexter Manley. Manley II is a developmental prospect who doesn't play with great technique at this point. However, he is explosive enough to make an immediate impact as a situational pass rusher and strong enough to develop into an every-down player.

DeMario Pressley
DT | (6'3", 301, 5.089) | NORTH CAROLINA ST
Scouts Grade: 70

Flags: (D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthy
View by: Round | Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag | All Ranked Players | NFL Draft History
You are signed into Insider and have access to the exclusive draft content below.

Strengths: Possesses an outstanding combination of size and speed. He is tall with adequate bulk and room left on his frame to get bigger. He has been versatile within a hybrid system that allows him to play traditional DT, as well as the DE spot in three-and-four man fronts. At his best when playing a three-technique, which allows him to use his quick first step and explosive burst to penetrate and disrupt. He shows rare closing burst to the ball carrier (and QB) for a prospect at his position. He is powerful in the upper body. Generally drives legs once in position and flashes the ability to drive offensive linemen back into the quarterback as a bull rusher.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite bulk, plays too high and struggles to hold the point when teams run at him. Plays with a narrow base and loses balance at times. His effort can be hit and miss and needs to play with better discipline. Gets frustrated by the double team and will give up too easily at times. Gets too far upfield because he's looking to make the big play and occasionally will blow his assignment and take himself out of position. Missed two games after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in 2007, missed timed with a broken wrist in 2006, missed 2007 spring practices because of a toe injury and durability is a concern.

Overall: Pressley appeared in 33 games (24 starts) in his first three seasons (2004-'06), recording 102 tackles (14 for losses) and three sacks. As a senior last season, he played 10 games (eight starts) and had 38 tackles (six for losses), 1.5 sacks and two interceptions. In 2007, he came off the bench in the opener while still recovering from torn ligaments in his left elbow, then missed the next two games after tearing meniscus tissue in his right knee in practice. In 2006, he sat out most of spring drills because of a broken toe and missed the season finale after suffering a wrist injury that required season-ending surgery. Pressley will enter the 2008 draft as one of the most experienced defensive tackles in the class and his blend of size and speed means he has a great deal of upside. However, he's yet to reach his potential and his problems staying healthy over the past two years raise a red flag. With all of that said, Pressley projects as a fourth round pick.

WE NEED CHAD JOHNSON I DONT CARE WHAT NONE OF YAW SAY JUST THINK FOR A SECOND AT WHAT OUR OFFENSE WILL LOOK LIKE AND HOW TEAMS GOING TO BE ABLE TO STOP US.

i agree domo these draft picks espesially the wide recievers are not going to get the other team scared like malcolm kelly or jordy nelson like a chad johnson come on people wake up.

i am starting to agree with u guys about getting chad johnson instead of them bum wide recievers.one question who is going to be scared of a jordy nelson?

Steve Slaton, RB, WVU.

think Brian Westbrook; shifty, quick burst ability, soft hands.

high value guy; shouldn't cost a lot in the later rounds.

wildcard pick...

My name is Steve Slaton. I have great speed and field vision. I'm also really strong. I love playing RB and I've been playing it my whole life. I have the speed, elusiveness and strength to succeed on the next level.

Check out my web site:

http://www.steveslaton.org/

JUST SAY NO TO STEVE SLATON! There's a good reason why he isn't valued highly by teams in the NFL: because he isn't very good.

JUST SAY NO TO CHAD JOHNSON!!! Too expensive, overpaid, overrated, and too damn old. We don't need his mouth, we don't need his attitude, we don't need his problems, we don't need him. Chad and Rosenshyster should go take a vacation together and tell one other how wonderful each is. They deserve each other. But Zorn doesn't deserve getting stuck with dealing with the constant drama that is Chad. Great talent isn't enough.

So just go away, Chad. And see you in the CFL, Slaton.

one question who is going to be scared of a jordy nelson?

Posted by: riggo drill | April 26, 2008 12:40 AM

Initially? Hopefully no one, so the single coverage defensive back can be chasing Jordy alone down the sidelines on many long touchdown passes.

C'mon, Vinny! Time to do that Draft thing - finally! Keep your picks and Dan's money in your pockets, and take the best players available that fit the short- and long-term needs of the team!

Merling? Yes!
Albert? Yes!
Nelson? Yes!

Go Redskins!

Wish Kost was around so he could tell us who the Skins drafted already.

Possible Reasons for Kost's silence:

1) Recruited to play Fullback for the Geelong Cats
2) Still in jail after being arrested in Canberra for protesting the Olympic flame.
3) Enjoying the lovely Autumn weather in Victoria.
4) Got lost on day trip to Tassie. Being held captive by anti-Chinese devils.
5) Is hitch-hiking to America.
6) Quit his job and started a new company: "Craft Beer Safaris of Eastern Australia".
7) Has found a new Significant Other who only likes Aussie footfall.

CBSSportsline Final Mock Drafts:

Rang, Prisco, Judge and Charley Casserly all select Phillip Merling, DE, as the choice of the Redskins.

If you like Merling, this is a bad omen.

QB Casey Bramlet is now with the Chargers. (This is probably Parcells' retribution for the Skins refusing to give up a high draft pick for Jason Taylor.)*

*This is a joke - for entertainment purposes only.

For draft sanity, be sure to watch the NFL Draft only on the NFL Network. For those who are unable to receive NFL-N, turn to ESPN, mute the sound, turn on closed captioning, and then cover the top 1/3 of the screen with dark paper or a towel (to avoid being exposed to Kyper's hair).

Happy Viewing!

Scout.com says:

Redskins #21 Jerod Mayo LB 6-1 242 Tennessee Junior
The Redskins could use a safety, wide receiver and a defensive end. To draft a safety at this spot is a reach. Devin Thomas, their primary target, is off the board, and Phillip Merling's hernia surgery will scare off the Redskins. At this point in the draft, Jerod Mayo is the best player available and fills a need at LB, which currently has two starters, Marcus Washington and London Fletcher, in their 30s.

Happy draft day! Five years from now may you look back on this draft with fond memories.

Kareem Moore
S | (5'10", 210, 4.639) | NICHOLLS STATE
Scouts Grade: 20

draft my buddy Dave. he's big and slow. can't play O or D, but will sign real cheap, drink all YOUR brew and be outta the league as fast as some of these PROSPECTS, no i mean SUSPECTS

Mayo 4.69 = slow hell Z. Adibi of VaTech runs that or perhaps a 4.7. You want a LB get Adibi he be available in the second, and yes he can cover as well as rush the passer a good WILL.

Mayo 4.69 = slow hell Xavier Adibi of VaTech runs that or perhaps a 4.7. You want a LB get Adibi he'll be available in the second, and yes he can cover as well as rush the passer a good WILL.

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