2007 DRAFT NEEDS:

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

presented by

by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com

Alas, Redskins fans.  In response to several e-mails that we have received from the ranks of D.C. devotees, we've done some research.  And we've learned that a team cannot select a new front office in the draft.

So with that specific option off of the table, let's consider what the 'Skins should do with their smattering of picks -- a first-rounder, a fifth-rounder, a sixth-rounder, and a seventh-rounder.

With the sixth overall pick in round one, the 'Skins would be wise to add a playmaking defensive end, like Gaines Adams or Jamaal Anderson.

But, surely, the Redskins are tempted to try to make a play for an offensive playmaker.  There are rumors of a fixation on receiver Calvin Johnson and/or quarterback JaMarcus Russell, even though the team supposedly has all of the pass-catchers that it needs, along with a pass-thrower of the supposed present and future in Jason Campbell.

When it comes down to it, we simply believe that owner Dan Snyder can't resist the urge to make a big splash.  His team wisely didn't go bonkos (for a change) in free agency, so the only remaining way to shake things up off of the field in early 2007 is to make a move to the upper reaches of round one.

The problem, however, is that the 'Skins don't have much to offer in order to get there.  They signed running back Ladell Betts to a contract that pays him like the backup he chooses to be; if they were to opt to toss Betts in with an offer to the Browns, they could possibly get up to No. 3.

But our hunch is that the Redskins simply don't have enough to make a deal, and that they'll either use the No. 6 pick or trade down from it.  And if the 'Skins use their pick, it will likely be either Adams or Anderson.

Another area of need is safety, where Troy Vincent has been released and Adam Archuleta has been traded.  The only problem?  With no picks in rounds two, three, or four, the chances of finding a much-needed, game-ready free safety on day two of the draft are slim.  For now, new arrival Omar Stoutmire will have to be the guy across from Sean Taylor.

With Shawn Springs close to being out the door, the 'Skins also would like another cornerback.  They've reunited with Fred Smoot, and remain interested in landing Dre' Bly.  If they can't get Bly, they might want to use a pick on a cover man.

On offense, the 'Skins need a replacement for left guard Derrick Dockery, who left via free agency.  They wanted to land Leonard Davis, and settled for re-signing Todd Wade. 

The offensive line generally lacks depth, so look for the 'Skins to try to scalp one or more on day two of the draft.

The Redskins also would be wise to add a developmental quarterback, in the event that they conclude that Jason Campbell isn't the long-term answer at the position.  (Our guess is that they already have.)