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.
Washington Redskins NFL Draft WarRoom
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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