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Washington Redskins
Posted: Sun April 19, 1998 at 9:51 p.m.
* compensatory pick
QB - Gus Frerrotte signed a new multi year contract last season, but really hasn't lived up to expectations. His big contract went to his head, and he stopped developing last season. He needs to become more of a leader if the offense is going to help get this team into the playoffs. Backup Jeff Hostetler is a solid veteran type, but he also struggled when they needed him last season. #3 QB Trent Green isn't developing, and they should add a young QB to develop for the future.
RB - Terry Allen continues to produce, but injuries are starting to catch up with him... he's already playing on 2 reconstructed knees... they have struggled in the past when he is out of action. Backup RB Stephen Davis is more of a role player, and hasn't made the most of his opportunities when Allen has been out. Brian Mitchell has been re-signed as their nickle RB... Look for them to start grooming a young RB to take over for Allen, as Davis hasn't proved he can be that guy.
WR - Huge area of concern. They have been counting on WR Michael Westbrook to step up, but he hasn't been able to do so, on or off the field. Westbrook's bonehead 15 yd. penalty in the Giants game may have cost them a playoff spot. He's not the answer, and they need to find some quality WR's in the draft. FA WR Henry Ellard has not been re-signed as of yet, but may eventually be asked back because of his experience. Leslie Shepherd was their most consistent WR last season, but he was injured late in the year, and has had less than a quiet offseason. If young WR Albert Connell doesn't step up, or they don't add some quality depth this offseason, this unit will be their achilles heel.
TE - Young TE Jamie Asher is a solid receiving threat, that Frerotte has to get more involved in the offense, especially with limited weapons at the WR spot. Asher has dec. AA, and does a good job of finding the open holes in the defense, Backup James Jenkins is a better blocker than receiver. The Redskins could add another young TE in the upcoming draft.
OL - One of the strengths of this football team. FA OT Joe Patton and OG Tre Johnson were re-signed to keep this solid unit intact. Depth was added when they signed Rod Milstead (FA 49ers). The inability to keep everyone healthy has been a problem the past few years. Johnson fought numerous minor injuries last season. The only loss was RT Ed Simmons who was released. If they don't find an OT early in the draft, expect that Shar Pourdanesh will be penciled as the starting RT. Pourdanesh played well last season for Simmons who was hampered with injuries.
DL - The inability of this unit to perform has probably kept them out of the playoffs last season. New DT additions Dana Stubblefield and Dan Wilkinson will be expected to form a solid run stopping duo. GM Charley Casserly has put pressure on them by stating that they would have been in the playoffs had these two been on their team the past 2 seasons. Disgruntled DT Sean Gilbert has been dealt to Carolina, opening the door for Wilkinson and Stubblefield. If DE Kenard Lang turns the corner, this unit has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL. Could also add another pass rush DE in the draft.
LB - Age is starting to show up at SLB and MLB where Ken Harvey and Marvcus Patton are starting to wear down. Harvey came on late, prompting the team to re-sign him. Patton is not a prototypical run stuffing MLB, and has played a role in their inability to consistently stop the run. Rookie WLB Derek Smith surprised everyone with his ability to step up and become a playmaker. They need to start adding some more youth to this unit... the depth is not very good.
DB - Could make a case that DC's Darrell Green and Cris Dishman are the best duo in the NFL. Despite his age, Green continues to play at a very high level. Dishman is underrated on the other side. Depth could be a problem though... especially if Minnesota completes a deal with RFA Darryl Pounds who was their nickle DC last season. DS's Jesse Campbell and Stanley Richard make plays in spurts, but both take poor run angles and are a big reason teams were able to rip off so many big runs last season. The secondary should also be a focal point in the upcoming draft.
ST - The return game is in great hands with veteran RS Brian Mitchell, who is a threat to go the distance any time he touches the ball. PT Matt Turk is one of the best in the business. The biggest area of concern on ST's is PK Scott Blanton.... he missed way too many makeable FG att's last season. Veteran Chris Jacke will push him for the job.
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