Kevin Barnes, Brian Orakpo Speed Up Redskins Defense

It hasn't been a particularly busy draft for Washington, with the Redskins holding just two picks in the first four rounds. But Dan Snyder's team has been productive nonetheless, adding Maryland cornerback Kevin Barnes in round 3 to defensive standout Brian Orakpo, whom the 'Skins took at No. 13 overall.

Both players could turn out to be great pickups, especially given where they were selected. Orakpo, very unexpectedly, fell into the Redskins lap. Barnes, meanwhile, had injury issues in 2008, helping him fly under the radar for Washington.

"I love the area, being that I played right down the street," Barnes said. "It's really an honor to play for such a passionate organization, so I am very proud to be a Redskin right now."

Orakpo's ability as a pass rusher on the outside is well-documented. He should thrive with Washington, especially given new Redskin Albert Haynesworth's ability to hold down the fort inside. "I am ecstatic," Orakpo said on Saturday about playing with Haynesworth. "Having one of the best defensive tackles in teh game right now will make my job a lot easier, I'll tell you that much. That is what you need, that force up the middle, so it will be great."

Barnes probably won't get the same opportunity as Orakpo to contribute heavily, but he should certainly help the team's depth. He'll almost certainly see some time in pass-defense packages, and will find the field as a special teamer as well, simply because of his excellent athleticism.

"I feel like I can compete with anybody," Barnes said. "I'm a big corner, but I also move like a smaller guy. I am very quick also, so I feel like, being a big corner, I can compete with the big receivers and move with the smaller receivers too."

Both Barnes and Orakpo bring that high level of versatility. Orakpo can play on the line, but also slide back into coverage as a stand-up rush linebacker.

Given the lack of draft picks, Washington has to feel pretty good about what it's been able to add. The Redskins didn't have major, gaping holes to fix, but they've smartly used a pair of selections to upgrade their roster and add some always-valuable quickness on the defensive side.