Team Report: Redskins

FFToolbox is in the process of interviewing websites that focus on a specific NFL team, in order to get an expert opinion on what the team will do in the upcoming NFL draft.

1. Tell us about your site.

DC Pro Sports Report is 2.5 years old. We provide analysis, commentary, statistics and news about the Washington Redskins, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards and Washington Nationals. Our morning summary of all the Redskins news, called Smoke Signals, has become a go-to for lots of fans and even other DC sports bloggers. We also maintain the biggest NFL mock draft database on the Internet. We list well over 100 mock drafts and receive more traffic than any other database of its kind. If you want to stay up to date with how draft experts think things will go, it's a great place to look.

2. What are the Redskins' biggest needs?

The biggest need of the Washington Redskins is for a real general manager in the front office. The team's problems all flow from that one problem. On the field, the biggest needs are for offensive linemen, pass-rushing defensive ends, and wide receivers that can stretch the field. Having selected 2 wideouts in the second round of last year's draft, it is unlikely the Redskins will go after a wideout early in this draft, even though the rookies did almost nothing for Washington's offense in 2008. Washington's offensive line is old [all starters over 30] and prone to injury and breakdowns in pass protection. Washington's defensive ends, Andre Carter and Jason Taylor, are overpaid and under-productive.

3. Will they be able to address those needs via this year's draft or will they also need to be active in the free-agency market as well?

With so few draft picks, it's hard to see the Redskins solving their urgent needs on both lines of scrimmage. The situation is made worse when you consider that the duo of Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato does not have a great track record making draft picks. The Redskins were relatively modest in free agency last season and that may change this season. By cutting a number of overpaid and un-productive players, the Redskins could get well under the salary cap. Also, Dan Snyder may be anticipating an uncapped year in 2010, making a spending spree this year more manageable.

4. Which one player would be your dream pick / best case scenario for the Redskins' first pick?

The best-case scenario would be the Redskins finding some way to move up and draft Andre Smith, a top offensive lineman. More realistically, though, the Redskins could be in a position to draft a pass rusher like Everette Brown, Aaron Maybin or Michael Johnson [not necessarily in that order]. An offensive lineman like Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe would also address an urgent need. The truth is, the Redskins need a massive infusion of youth and talent on both lines of scrimmage.

5. The Redskins are short-handed with 4 draft picks (1 first rounder) this year, do you anticipate them making any moves (trade up/down)?

It will be difficult for the Redskins to trade up since they have so few picks. Trading down is a more realistic option. Washington did it in the last draft, moving out of the first round and picking up selections in the 2nd round. That might very well happen if the Redskins don't like their options in the first round.

6. What will it take for the Redskins to get to the playoffs in 2009?

The Redskins can get to the playoffs in 2009 if the defense is as good or nearly as good as it was this year and one of their rookie wideouts from this past draft surprises everyone and proves to be a real big play threat.