Redskins

5/30/10 Ashburn, VA - This will mark the first year of the Washington Redskins NML franchise. The only NML connection they have to date is that Power Bowl IV was played in what is to become the home of this Redskins team. There are many growing pains associated with being an expansion team. Some teams such as the Jaguars of last year excel at it while others like the Seahawks show just how difficult it can be as the new team "on the block".

Now that both the expansion draft and regular rookie draft has been completed how well can we expect this D.C. team to do?

First let's take a look at the expansion draft and decide how well they did in that aspect. With the second overall pick they took tight end Antonio Gates; great choice of a player who should have an immediate impact. After that the picks were as follows: C Shaun O'Hara, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, QB Kyle Orton, OLB Keith Rivers, HB Fred Jackson, FS Antrel Rolle, LT Max Starks, and MLB Channing Crowder. Just judging by the talent they picked up in the expansioin the Redskins' management

proved they know what they are doing. All these players have shown great success with their previous teams. Take this into consideration along with the fact that they balanced their picks between key offensive and defensive positions and so far so good for this D.C. team.

Now onto the regular draft where the Redskins had the 7th overall pick. It has long been known that shut down cornerbacks in the NML come at a premium. So when CB Joe Haden from Florida fell to Washington with the 7th pick they were more than happy to grab up this young talent. Their next move in the 2nd round was to take the best guard in the draft in Idaho's Mike Iupati. This is a great addition that should help both

their passing and running games. The Skins also bolstered their defensive line with the choices of DE Jason Worilds and DT Torrell Troup. They also added to their offense by choosing QB Jevan Snead and HB Deji Kareem. While not neccisarily big needs after the expansion draft, they were arguably the best players available at the time. Snead will be a good backup and one that will do well in any wildcat schemes. Kareem will compliment Fred Jackson in the backfield and will probably be a running back by committee package. With their final pick, Washington picked CB Marquis Johnson who will most likely end up as the nickel back and/or return specialist.

While I don't see any way that this team makes it to the playoffs their first year, they have built a solid foundation for years to come if their drafting continues to show the promise as it has this first season. My prediction is that this team will finish last in the FFC East, but it must be noted they do play in the toughest division in the league.