The new braintrust of the team selected a left tackle, which the team does desperately need. They get high marks for that. However, it was the left tackle they selected that will make fans nervous.
Russell Okung was tabbed the best left tackle in the draft by many analysts. Trent Williams was also ranked very highly. Several "experts" even proclaimed that Williams has more upside and "could" become the better NFL player. Unfortunately, Williams also appears to have more downside. Anytime a college weight trainer makes a public statement questioning a player's desire or dedication the weight room, a big wavy red flag goes flying through the air. Now, Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan are now responsible for rolling up that red flag and putting it into storage where it belongs.
If anyone can motivate Williams and transform him into a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle, it is probably Mike Shanahan. So will he? Only time will tell. Williams could become the cornerstone of the team's offense for the next 10 years or he could become an inconsistent up and down player that gets moved to right tackle and/or guard. Check back in 3-4 years to find out.
Then, just because Redskins fans need all the good news and hipe they can get, the team landed a seventh round steal in Selvish Capers! Honestly, does anyone believe there is such a thing as a seventh round steal? Does anyone think that every pro scout in the NFL missed this guy?
Several "Monday Morning Quarterbacks" came out after the draft had concluded calling Capers a seventh round steal saying he could have been a third or fourth round pick. I am not trying to knock the poor guy, but he is a seventh round developmental pick, nothing more, nothing less. Considering the Redskins' offensive line needs all the help it can get, he has a shot to make the team and contribute.
Player Watch
- Keep an eye on the situation in New England with Patriots guard, Logan Mankins. He is not signing his restricted free agent deal and is skipping OTA's. He wants a long-term deal and if he skips their mandatory camp June 15-17, it could get interesting. While the chances of Mankins being released may be small, he is someone that should become an immediate target if he became available.
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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog
