Redskins Round Table: The Donovan McNabb Trade
It's time for another edition of Redskins Round Table, one of the most popular features here at DC Pro Sports Report. We've assembled some top Redskins analysts to discuss the trade that brought Donovan McNabb to Washington. Enjoy.
1. Do you like the trade for Donovan McNabb?
It's hard to knock the trade. Washington did not give up too much to get a high-quality quarterback, something this team has lacked for many, many years. Hard to put a pricetag on finding a player like that. McNabb can have a major impact; I always thought he raised the level of those around him in Philly and I would expect he'll do that here. He has two good tight ends to throw to and a quality receiver in Santana. He'll be helped having a coach who emphasizes running the ball like Shanahan; it helped John Elway and while McNabb is no Elway, he will be helped, too. That is, if these backs have anything left. They still have some big issues -- Oline in particular -- but they now have none at the most important position.
2. Does the trade change the Redskins draft?
Clearly they can address their top need, left tackle, with the No. 4 pick. The only way I see them going elsewhere with that pick is if Russell Okung is picked by Detroit at No. 2 (was told today that would not be the case).
3. What do the Skins need apart from McNabb?
A quality left tackle. Shanahan is used to having that; so, too, is McNabb. If they have that, then Shanahan can scheme around some of the other weaknesses up front. A consistent quality runner would be nice and another good wideout. But between Cooley and Davis and Moss, that is enough to get a passing game going. However, if they want to use a lot of play-action, then clearly a good running game is sort of a must.
4. What happens at running back? Do Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker all make the roster?
I still see the Redskins looking at this position in the draft, in the fourth or fifth round (which, of course, is half their draft). But I definitely can see two of these backs making the roster. If healthy, Portis is still the best of this bunch. Larry Johnson is not good in pass protection and Willie Parker is no longer fast - no runs longer than 34 yards in four years. If a guy named Fast Willie is no longer fast, what is his value?
Rick Snider of The Examiner and Rick Snider Report
1. Do you like the trade for Donovan McNabb?
Good trade if McNabb stays healthy and signs an extension. But, how many people have come here and been hurt? Too many so it has risks. Offering a second might have been one round high, but hard to say.
2. Does the trade change the Redskins draft?
Completely changes it in two ways. First rounder must be a left tackle. Second round is now gone so no backup plan for a quarterback.
3. What do the Skins need apart from McNabb?
Absolutely need a left tackle. A right tackle and guard would be nice, but running out of time. Could also use a big receiver.
4. What happens at running back? Do Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker all make the roster?
Two makes the roster with the third out in early preseason cuts. Hard to say who it is until preseason games.
Thomas Threlkeld of DC Pro Sports Report
1. Do you like the trade for Donovan McNabb?
Any time you can get a franchise quarterback, even if only for 3 or 4 years, without giving up a first round pick, you've done all right. I've been a fan of Jason Campbell but McNabb is obviously an upgrade. The question is whether this deal should be made by a team that is missing a lot more than a quarterback. This deal makes a lot of sense for the Vikings, maybe the Broncos or Dolphins, but the Redskins have holes all over the offense. The Redskins need an offensive line more than they needed a new quarterback. I thought the Redskins needed to rebuild. Instead, they're re-loading. I don't see enough talent on the roster for that.
2. Does the trade change the Redskins draft?
Well, they probably can't get Colt McCoy in the 2nd round now since they traded their 2nd round pick -- unless they trade Albert Haynesworth for draft picks. I've thought all along the right pick at #4 for the Redskins was Russell Okung, the terrific left tackle. That's still their biggest position of need, by far, so it shouldn't change their draft priorities a bit.
3. What do the Skins need apart from McNabb?
Where do I start? Staying on offense, the Redskins need a left tackle, a right tackle, a right guard, and depth at every position on the offensive line. They need one of their young and disappointing wideouts [Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly] to become a good NFL receiver. They also need a decent running game to emerge from the mishmash of declining geriatrics they've got at that position.
4. What happens at running back? Do Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker all make the roster?
Mike Shanahan says he expects all of them to make the team, but I don't see how that happens. None of those guys play special teams and what team keeps a 3rd string running back on the roster who doesn't play special teams? I was never a fan of the Larry Johnson signing, he hasn't played well since 2006. Two of those guys will make the team and my early prediction is that it'll be Clinton Portis and Willie Parker.
1. Do you like the trade for Donovan McNabb?
From a straight trade value, I think it was fair. McNabb is worth a 1st round pick and the Redskins watered that down with a 2nd and 3/4th next year. So, the Redskins did not get ripped off, and he is a clear upgrade from Campbell. Where I disagree is that the Redskins are contenders. The OLine is a complete mess and there is zero team chemistry. Every new Redskins regime falls for the same trap of an owner willing to spend, which results in lost draft picks and "verteran" players. I like how Bruce and Shanahan avoided all the big free agency names, but building a roster of over 30 years old and ditching draft picks is a recipe for disaster.
2. Does the trade change the Redskins draft?
Zero impact. Left tackle. Shanahan's last 1st round pick was Clady, who is a pro-bowl tackle for the Broncos.
3. What do the Skins need apart from McNabb?
Three offensive linemen, a speedster RB that can start now, a free safety, and an inside LB to play next to London. How many draft picks we have? Oh crap.
4. What happens at running back? Do Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker all make the roster?
No way all three make it. This is a test to see which one wants to be part of this team. They were all given expectations of how they should arrive at OTAs and camp, so who delivers in pre-season stays. Shanahan for sure will draft a RB and there are loads of good ones available in the mid-rounds. It's unheard of to have 3 RBs on the roster where none can play special teams.
