Orakpo Still Adapting to Linebacker

So, why did a team who ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense draft a defensive player in the first round?

Because Brian Orakpo fell to the 13th pick, was one of the most versatile defensive players in the draft, and improves an area where the Redskins were lacking. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache doesn't blitz, but that doesn't mean the Redskins couldn't use some pressure on the quarterback. That's (presumably, though we can't really be sure with Vinny Cerrato and Dan Snyder at the helm) why they coughed up a second-round draft pick for Jason Taylor. With injuries hampering Taylor, the Redskins managed only a paltry 24 sacks.

Enter Orakpo.

The chiseled 6-foot-4 260-pound specimen brings an added dimension to the Skins' defense for 2009. He's fast enough to handle short pass coverage and speed rusher, while also strong enough to take on blockers from either the defensive line or outside linebacker. During OTAs, Orakpo has been working with both defensive ends and linebackers. Head coach Jim Zorn has stated that Orakpo will be used at linebacker on presumed running downs and end on presumed passing downs. Getting after the passer shouldn't be an issue, that's what Orakpo does. The transition to outside linebacker, though, is still an ongoing process.

"I'm still trying to get acclimated to [linebacker], but I'm doing okay right now," Orakpo said. "I know I can do better at pass drops and reading coverages better and stuff, but that just all comes over time. So once OTAs get going and come training camp I should be full go."

It would be pretty unreasonable to expect Orakpo to simply step in and fill the outside like he's Lawrence Taylor -- though I'm sure Washington fans wouldn't mind that happening. Plus, it's more than three months until the season begins. There's going to be a learning curve, but -- as Orakpo points out -- he's still a football player.

"I'm feeling the difference, but it is still football," Orakpo said. "If you know what you're doing, you can play fast. If you don't, that's when you kind of get left behind. But what I try to do is go in and know what I'm doing, study my playbook, study the plays that we put in that day and try to play fast."

In the end, I still firmly believe this was a solid draft pick for the Redskins and they'll consider themselves fortunate they weren't able to complete the trade for Mark Sanchez. Orakpo's got Pro Bowl talent and versatility.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

6-01-2009 @ 6:47PM

HEADHAWG said...

and he gets to play next to Big Al.Redskins sacks will double,Hall will lead the nfl in picks,and if Zorn's offense can manage to score 21 per game they will win 12 or more.Greg Blache needs to check out Landry's greatest hits on you tube.DIAL UP A SAFETY BLITZ ONCE IN A WHILE!!!! I would love to see Romo on the receiving end of Landry with a head of steam,or vanish beneath the hulking form of of an Albert Haynesworth belly flop.HTTR!

6-01-2009 @ 6:52PM

and if you are reading this Brian,welcome to Washington,I can't wait to see you rattle some QB'S,you were an awesome pick.

6-01-2009 @ 7:35PM

Adam said...

What I've come to learn about Greg Blache is that he's a better defensive coordinator than everyone gives him credit for. Blache works his players to their best abilities, and doesn't force things. He didn't blitz much in the past because our players weren't as talented in that area than they were in gap-protection and staying with their assignments in coverage.

With Haynesworth and Orakpo, that will help tip the balance of talent towards more pass rush and blitz, so Blache will fine tune the scheme to work with their abilities.

As for Orakpo himself, from everything I've heard, he has a veterans' mentality and dedication, as well as amazing physical abilities, so I have no doubt he'll make an impact.

6-02-2009 @ 1:43AM

viper said...

I am ecstatic for are GREAT team this year and HEAD HAWG id like to see that too he is a talented guy lets not wasted and put out romo like they put out brady ahha but id say will have about 12 to 18 sacks or so this season more overall what you guys think

6-02-2009 @ 1:44AM

waste him*

6-04-2009 @ 5:21PM

varebel13 said...

lets hope that the Skins defense turns out to be a great fantasy football defense this year. Turnovers, sacks, TD's is what I am talking about! Can't wait.

HTTR