Washington Redskins NFL Draft WarRoom

by Jon Dove on May 27, 2011 4:00 PM EDT

Mocking the Draft wants to introduce you to an new article series taking a closer look at each team's draft workings. The WarRoom articles will give you a glimpse at the recent draft history and the decision-making structure of each NFL team. We will also include our thoughts about the structure and draft history.

Offensive Scheme: Mike Shanahan is an offensive genius that likes to keep things simple in a way that confuses the defense. He employs an offensive system that plays to the strength of his roster but leans to a balanced attack. Shanahan's use of unheralded running backs in his zone blocking scheme is very impressive. This season he brought in some later round guys like Roy Helu and Evan Royster and both are a candidate to emerge as Shanahan's next late round steal.

In the passing game, Shanahan likes to use motions and different alignments to confuse the defense. He prefers mobile quarterbacks with strong arms. However, he has the ability to craft an offensive game-plan around any quarterback. It is only a matter of time until Shanahan makes a move for a young quarterback he can develop.

Defensive Scheme: The Redskins employ a 3-4 defensive attack led by defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. Like most 3-4 defense, the Redskins are very aggressive and mix in exotic blitz packages. This roster is not void of talent and features promising young players such as LaRon Landry and Brian Orakpo. The biggest question mark is the defensive line and problem child Albert Haynesworth.

Thoughts: When Mike Shanahan took over, the Redskins were a team in transition. Since his arrival, Shanahan has added some nice pieces and will be hoping for a turn around. However, this team still lacks a good quarterback option which could impede their rebuilding progress.

Mike Shanahan has a major say in the personal decisions but he has a good partner in Bruce Allen. The combination of Allen and Shanahan need to keep owner Dan Snyder from interfering with personal decisions. Washington may need a few more drafts in order to contend but the franchise feels they are in the right direction.

Ultimately, the Redskins success will depend on the development of draft picks such as Trent Williams, Ryan Kerrigan, Leonard Hankerson, and Jarvis Jenkins. They need these selections to thrive as the McNabb trade limited the amount of incoming rookies.

Five-year record: 32- 48

Coach: Mike Shanahan

GM: Bruce Allen

Recent Draft History: Click Here to see the complete draft history

Best Pick: Chris Cooley

Worst Pick: Devin Thomas

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Comments

Good write-up

And it should be noted that neither the Chris Cooley pick nor the Devin Thomas pick were made by this front office.

by CarverM on May 27, 2011 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

I'd also imagine there'd be hookers, dice games and a whole lot of alcohol in the Redskins' war room

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on May 27, 2011 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

slight correction

When Mike Shanahan took over, the Redskins were a team in transition.

more like a team in shambles
The Redskins are no longer a team run by the owner or an idiot GM. They are being run & coached by real NFL professionals & will surprise people in the next few years.

by ENsDad27 on May 28, 2011 1:10 PM EDT reply actions

The only issue is that right now, without a snap played

I feel they are in the same position, a shambles.

That team needn’t have been a shambles last year too… moving to the 3-4 is something I’ll never understand. Can someone PLEASE tell me if there was ANY thought put into that or if it was just a mad idea?

Bradford to Onobun!

by Infemous on May 28, 2011 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I think that you are wrong

& that is with emphasis on think. This past draft IMHO was very successful with the addition of quality starting talent, added depth & youth but passing on the best QB in this years draft, not adding a NT or addressing the offensive line are definitely a concern. I think that the Redskins will be very active in Free Agency, if a new CBA is ever agreed on, & that with Vinny (dumbass) Cerrato no longer in charge they will be more effective than in years past. I hate to say it, but you could very well be right tho, last years draft & that trade for McNabb were not moves that inspire confidence

by ENsDad27 on May 28, 2011 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions