Redskins Weekly — Updates from Owner’s Meetings

1- Boring week when it comes to signings because there were none of note.

The Redskins did lose two former defensive linemen in Stephen Bowen and Jarvis Jenkins though.  Neither leaving is a surprise since the team went all out on the defensive line in free agency by signing Knighton, Paea and Francois earlier.

Jenkins has to go down in the end as a disappointment.  He was a second round pick of Shanny that showed quick promise in his first training camp.  Many were ready to put him up there with Butz, World Grant and Stubblefield.  Well not Stubby.  But he tore an ACL and never lived up to the hype again as he also faced a suspension.

Bowen’s story is similar but as a decently paid free agent of Shanny.  Came here pretty hyped and played decent but injuries hampered his Redskin’s career.  I was impressed that Bowen worked hard to get back last season but I am guessing the team had small interest in either coming back.

2- Now to the talk for the Skins at the owners meetings.  That talk is drafting Marcus Mariota if he is there at the five spot.

Simple answer that I think many agree with.  Quarterback is a need here but everything is pretty much a need which makes using a top pick on him is a tough call.  Most want to trade back and get McCloughan more picks to fill those needs.  But we know McCloughan will not trade up for him, so relax. But if he takes him at five and it is his call I am OK with that.

Why am I OK?  Because we all want this to be his call and drafting Mariota would not be a call that the Robert Griffin lovers in Ashburn would be for.  This would let us know who does have final call.

But I think it is best for Washington to continue to make others think Mariota is on their radar even if they don’t want to draft him.  Obviously to trade back from five.  Enough said.  But if they don’t want Mariota it is best that he goes in the top four so that they have a better chance of getting the player they do target.  Most likely two of the top four picks will be QBs leaving only two other position players off the board when the Skins select.

3- It has been pretty quiet when it comes to the offensive line so far.  Actually it’s been silent.  What does it mean?

No one expected Chris Chester to be on the roster still but safe spending has made it OK to carry his cap number for now.  I think a lot has to do with allowing not only McCloughan but also Bill Callahan to grade the lineman on the roster.  Tom Compton was resigned at a low deal so maybe Callahan sees something in him.  Big question will be what Callahan can do Morgan Moses and Spencer Long quickly.  Washington really needs to get a legit starter out of one of these two guys.  But nothing from their rookie stints showed that.

Or maybe McCloughan values the talent in the draft much better than free agency when it comes to the offensive line.  I am almost positive this is the case if he feels he could find line depth in the mid rounds.  And it seems like it could be a good year for the line in this draft.  Callahan could end up being a huge hero if he is as good as Redskins brass is telling you.  Moves so far should improve the defensive side of the ball but the Callahan move could be the biggest on the offensive side.