Grading the Draft: Washington Redskins

Grade: B

2. Devin Thomas-WR Michigan St.
2. Fred Davis-TE USC
2. Malcolm Kelly-WR Oklahoma
3. Chad Rinehart-OL Northern Iowa
4. J.T. Tryon-CB Arizona St.
6. Durant Brooks-P Georgia Tech
6. Kareem Moore-S Nicholls St.
6. Colt Brennan-QB Hawaii
7. Rob Jackson-DE Kansas St.
7. Chris Horton-S UCLA

For once, the Redskins decided to hang on to their draft picks. In fact, they even traded back to acquire more picks. The Skins moved out of the first round, ending up with three second-round picks. However, it wasn't over there, as they also traded one of their two third rounders and a fifth rounder to get themselves into the fourth round and have three sixth rounders to boot.

The Skins focused heavier on offense than defense as new head coach Jim Zorn will utilize as many weapons as possible in his West Coast style of offense. The two biggest needs coming into the draft were for a tall, big-bodied receiver and a defensive end who can pressure the quarterback. The Skins seemed to have answered the former in spades, while leaving something to be desired with the latter.

Washington played its cards right by trading out of the first round while no receiver was taken in the opening round. The Redskins also got lucky as the Rams threw a curveball by selecting Donnie Avery, a player few had at the top of the wide receiver boards, as the first WR taken. That allowed Washington to have its pick of the litter, nabbing Devin Thomas a big, speedy receiver with a knack for big plays that many experts had going in the top 15. Later in the second round they took Fred Davis, a luxury, considering Chris Cooley is coming off a Pro Bowl season, solidifying his role as one of the best tight ends in the league. Davis should allow the Skins to run more two-TE sets and stretch defenses vertically. Malcolm "Poppin' Trunk" Kelly rounded out the second round, a receiver many analysts had at the top of their lists until a slow 40-time and questions about his knees made him fall. If Kelly can rebound from the knocks of the naysayers, the Skins might have one dynamite steal.

Washington used the rest of its draft to solidify other areas and fill holes on the depth chart. Cornerback Justin "J.T." Tryon has been compared to current Skin Fred Smoot, and his transition could be crucial as Carlos Rogers is slow to come back from tearing his ACL and MCL last season. That leaves Shawn Springs and Smoot, two older but capable veterans, to pick up the slack. The infusion of a youngster like Tryon would be a welcome surprise in the secondary. Safety was also addressed as Kareem Moore and Chris Horton were selected in the later rounds and should provide competition for SS Reed Doughty. Stu Schweigert was also signed as a free agent from Oakland. One of those players will complement LaRon "Dirty 30" Landry in the secondary.

Chad Rinehart was a left tackle in college, but most likely will be groomed to play guard at the next level. An addition on the offensive line was necessary as all of the starters on the line are over the age of 30. The Redskins will have to completely revamp the line in a couple years. The emergence of Stephon Heyer last year and the selection of Rinehart could be a start.

Quarterback Colt Brennan was taken in the sixth round, making him a real steal if he pans out. The Skins aren't demanding much of him, as Jason Campbell has already been named the starter and Todd Collins is a very capable backup. Brennan could be a solid backup once he gets healthy and returns from hip surgery. Either way, taking a chance on a sixth rounder doesn't leave much liability on the front office.

Overall, the Skins were very frugal in their drafting, they did their research and made moves for the guys they wanted. The only downside was their neglect of the defensive line yet again, making it a liability if the injury bug strikes like it did last year. Jim Zorn clearly has the offensive firepower he needs with the addition of three big receivers. For staying out of the splashy free agent market and using the draft wisely, the Redskins get a huge thumbs up.