MMQB Mailbag (cont.)

The Redskins are hoping Donovan McNabb will be their starting quarterback for the next several seasons. AP

Now onto your e-mail:

• I WOULD BE. From Steve Curfman of Cary, N.C.: "Knowing now that Jimmy Clausen lasted until the 48th pick and would have been there at 37, do you think the Redskins are kicking themselves knowing they could have had an LT (Trent Williams) and QB (Clausen) for the next 10 years as well as their third- or fourth-rounder next year, or are they content with having an LT for the next 10 years and a Pro-Bowl caliber QB in Donovan McNabb for the next 2 or 3 years and without that 3rd/4th rounder next season?''

GALLERY: TEAM-BY-TEAM DRAFT PICKS

Very good question. I believe Mike Shanahan liked Clausen, but the only quarterback Shanahan truly liked in this draft was Sam Bradford; if he couldn't get Bradford, he felt why not get the tackle he liked for that scheme, and a quarterback he thought he could win with for the next four years. I think Clausen's going to be a heck of a pro, so I, for one, think they'd have been better off with your scenario.

• INTERESTING POINT ABOUT TEBOW AND VINCE YOUNG. From Tony of Wilmington, Del.: "Mr. King, do you find it at all interesting that so many question the Tim Tebow pick when Vince Young was considered to be first-round worthy when he was picked? Both had some mechanics issues, and both relied a lot on their athleticism as opposed to being pure passing QB's. But Tim Tebow was a better college QB in almost every respect. Most notably Tebow was more of a winner and appears to have far better intangibles and leadership ability. Why are so many willing to dismiss Tebow, particularly when Tebow appears to be strong in the areas where Young has struggled, i.e. the mental part of the game?''

It's an interesting point. I think the biggest thing they have in common is bad classic NFL quarterback mechanics. Young is still working on that aspect, as well as his accuracy. Tebow has a long way to go with his mechanics, but he'll have a good teacher in Josh McDaniels.

• HE HATES THE NEW DRAFT FORMAT. From Peter of Lincoln Park, N.J.: "The Thursday draft stinks. The justification Roger Goodell is touting is the ratings. But I would assume the ratings are higher for the same reason the Thursday slot stinks -- because people aren't watching the draft together. Our group used to have a draft party every year, but couldn't do it this year. What are your thoughts?''

Interesting. I hadn't thought of that. And you're right -- the Saturday national-holiday type of feel for the draft isn't there anymore. That does stink. But the NFL's not going to put the genie back in the bottle, because the ratings were so strong Thursday and Friday. I wish they'd go back to the Saturday format, but it's not in the cards.

• NOWHERE. From Steve of Milton, Ontario: "Peter, it seems the clock is ticking rapidly on Jamarcus Russell's days as a Raider. If so, where could you see him going? One team stands out to me as a great spot for him to salvage his career: Washington. Donovan McNabb can mentor him, and allows Russell a couple of years to develop; if any coach can make Russell a competent NFL QB, it's Mike Shanahan; with Rex Grossman there, the chance to win the No. 2 spot on the depth chart exists, if not this year, then certainly in 2011; and the Redskins can afford the salary. Your thoughts on the future of the former top pick?''

He made his own bed with his lack of effort and now he'll have to lie in it. Washington is as good a choice as any, though I could see a place like Philadelphia (even after drafting Mike Kafka) because scouting adviser Phil Savage would give him a strong recommendation.