Redskins Won't Draft QB With First-Round Pick (Right?)

The Redskins aren't giving Jason Campbell a contract extension this offseason, and that's been the plan all along. The team's 2005 first-round pick will play the 2009 season on the last year of his rookie deal, and depending on how things go, he'll either be in line for a nice raise or playing elsewhere 12 months from now.

This isn't to say that the organization is down on Campbell, just that the circumstances -- primarily the current salary-cap constraints -- dictate that he won't be getting a new contract anytime soon. Some fans are fine with that, and, in fact, are ready to pronounce 2009 the Year of Colt.

Barring a string of unforeseen events, that's not happening. And perhaps more unlikely: the 'Skins using the 13th overall pick to draft a quarterback, even though they'll work out Mark Sanchez later this week. Via the Washington Post's Jason La Canfora.

That's how teams prepare in case players start to plummet - see Quinn, Brady - or rise. And there's always the possibility of wheeling and dealing and trading picks or drafted players. At 13, there are a number of variables, so it's no surprise that the Skins would thoroughly investigate players at all positions, including those at which they would seem to be set. With that in mind, I wouldn't read too much into the team working out ... Mark Sanchez...

La Canfora also points out what most fans hopefully already know, writing that "with the team in need of landing an immediate starter with that 13th pick and needing a starting linebacker, defensive end and offensive tackle, taking a quarterback with any of their picks would seem to be a luxury they cannot afford."

I suspect the fog of draft day might cloud Dan Synder's judgment -- particularly if Matthew Stafford and Sanchez are still available -- but from the vantage point of five weeks out, the Redskins' pre-draft strategy seems like a relatively sane one. But again, a lot can change between now and April 25.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-23-2009 @ 5:14PM

Adam said...

Skins work out a lot of players. They worked out JaMarcus Russell too. JLC posted today that Oher is the likely pick at this point, and that's actually someone most Skins fans would agree with.

We need a LB and/or DE, but the line is where we were getting killed, so some youth is probably a good idea. If we get one of the tackles, they could start at RT, maybe even guard, and when Samuels retires or can't get it done in a few years, Oher or whoever can move over there.

It also wouldn't be the worst idea for us to trade down for some extra picks. We could get Clay Matthews, Laurinaitis or Eben Britton later on in the 1st, and fill in where we need to with the other picks. That's probably the best idea, but Vinny and Danny don't excel in the 'good idea' department.

3-23-2009 @ 6:13PM

marc said...

It is a possibility. Campbell has been through 4 different systems now out of 5 years. I guess you could say at this point he may be ruined in which case we need a guy who will be able to fit into ONE system. It is an unlikely pick though.

3-23-2009 @ 8:35PM

checka624 said...

Ruined?? are you kidding me?? because a player had to learn new offenses, hes now ruined??? lol some of the things people say just blow my mind..

3-23-2009 @ 6:45PM

lazyindiankid4 said...

Agreed with both you guys. Redskins have other needs as said numerous times before at DT, OT, etc. But people need to understand that Jason needs a a chance. Campbell has been in a new offensive system every single year and needs a chance to grow in one system to get some familiarity. Plus, he was playing excellent with a decent line and a good running game in the first 8 games last season. If fix our O-line, have a good running game, polish our D a little more, and let Jason be the same QB he was in the first 8 games. Then I can guarantee that we will be in the playoffs.

One more thing we need : A kicker (dont laugh ppl because u kno its tru)

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS

3-23-2009 @ 7:19PM

Yeah, most of the stats I've seen show Campbell's decrease in production was mostly caused by the line not playing well. Teams could shut down Portis easier and rush the passer with 3 or 4 guys, and there are very few QBs who can play well for 8 weeks under those conditions.

I mean, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are great QBs, but they also have lines which give them 5 seconds each play, which is a really long time in football. Campbell got 1-3 at best, and sometimes had no chance to throw at all.

I'd like to get rid of Suisham too, but drafting kickers and punters seems like a waste. Especially after the Durant Brooks failed experiment. If we wanted a new kicker or punter, we should go for one in FA.

3-23-2009 @ 7:52PM

agreed adam, i also agree that we shouldn't waste a draft pick on a kicker. Because we are on the line from being a good team to a pretty good play off team. But we honestly, need to get someone good besides Rayner and Suisham. Because most of our games which we lost was because Suisham couldnt convert on his 40+ yders.

3-24-2009 @ 2:49PM

skins4life said...

Agreed. I think Jason caught on pretty quick considering the circumstances in which Zorn was hired an the the time in which he had to implement his system. Let's see what Jason can do. He has to manpower, no doubt about that. If the O-line can hold out. He'll carry us to the big dance.

3-24-2009 @ 3:04PM

Agreed. but I also think it sends a message to JC that he most remain consistant and not hold on the ball for forever and a day. If it isn't there HALL A**!!!!!!!!!!!. I think he understands that his job is on the line. I also believe he has a better understanding of the offense and that chemistry between quarterback,receiver,tight-end and his back feild. He's going to spread that ball around a lot more this year than last. A lot of different looks and yes, check downs. But I also see JC scrambling more also. I hope he learned a lot from last year and act like the leader that he is

3-23-2009 @ 10:21PM

a kicker for sure. a DT no. not anymore with the addition of haynesworth. anthony montgomery is good enough, a DE and LB is more of a concern. especially now that Marcus is gone and the fact that Fletcher will probably retire within the next 2-3 years being that he is in his mid 30's now. and Campbell has an arm dont get me wrong but somethings gotta give. either zorn calls better plays( no more 5 yard passes on 3rd and 10) or we get a qb who can make it happen without issue.

3-24-2009 @ 12:36AM

SkinnedAlive said...

well i think our wr group will be solid as long as were healthy and JC will be quite good this yr. i mean he was desent with only moss and cpt.chaos but with fred davis and the others coming along im excited no matter what we do...arent there ALWAYS good OL in the draft?

lets get straight tho...a franchise QB in the middle 1st rd is no way a BAD pick especially when our QB has NEVER proven to be a great passer. 4 in college 5 now in nfl.

Honestly the skins are sitting in such a good place in the 1st rd im so excited. so many good things could come out of this its tantelizing if you think about it.

we could trade down get more picks,or stay and pick a gr8 def prospect, or at the worst draft a franchise qb...damn the luck!

HAIL TO THE SKINS!!!

3-24-2009 @ 12:47AM

Corey C said...

If we did draft a kicker.... We should draft Louie Sakoda in the fifth round... Also, one thing I've seen in mocks, im praying that we DO NOT draft Andre Smith, the word BUST is screaming at me. I also wouldn't mind trading down

3-24-2009 @ 12:10PM

I have to say, drafting Sakoda wouldn't make me too angry. If he could be used as a punter and kicker like he was in college, that saves a roster spot. Then make a backup QB the holder, and defenses would have to look out for fake passes.

4-20-2009 @ 8:32PM

fresh8377 said...

HEY

4-20-2009 @ 8:35PM

You all are just as damn dumb as the coaches and Snyder. Our weakest area is our o-line which is exactly why Portis can't perform to the best of his ability and our QB, whoever that maybe, cannot get a pass off without getting hurried, rushed, or sacked. If this issue is not addressed and fixed we can all look forward to another ball buster season!!

4-20-2009 @ 8:36PM

And who's dumb ass idea was it to resign Suisham?

4-20-2009 @ 8:37PM

HTTR