Washington Redskins 2004 Draft
Report Card
By Bryan McGovern, NFL Editor
(Sports Network) - The Redskins
weren't loaded with picks on draft weekend, but they did a solid
job of maximizing their selections. Washington's decision in round
one came down to a pair of Miami Hurricanes -- Sean Taylor and
Kellen Winslow II. Instead of compromising Winslow's talent by
using him more as an H-back in Joe Gibbs' offense, the 'Skins
chose the super safety.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Taylor
was one of the most exciting defensive players in college football
and projects to be a high-level impact defender. As a free safety
at Miami, Taylor displayed his tremendous range and ballhawking
ability. However, he possesses the hitting power of an elite NFL
strong safety and will make pro receivers pay for catching passes
in front of him.
"When we were looking at
using the top-five pick, we were looking to add a potential
game-changer -- and we did that with the selection of Sean
Taylor," Gibbs said.
Taylor plays at a high speed on
the field and he's a natural playmaker. He should be a better
player than Baltimore's Ed Reed and has the same type of ability
as Dallas' Roy Williams. Taylor, who has great hands and routinely
returned interceptions for big yards in college, is a blue-chip
safety. The only drawback from an NFL standpoint is the concern
about investing huge cap dollars in a safety as the fifth overall
pick.
Gibbs got his H-back in the third
round with the selection of Chris Cooley, an excellent receiver
who's a good fit for Gibbs' system. It was disappointing to see
the team fail to address the need for a pass-rushing defensive
end.
Washington used the second day of
the draft to add depth to the offensive line. Gibbs gave his close
friend, Joe Bugel, a couple of new projects to work with on the
offensive line in the form of Cal's Mark Wilson and Notre Dame's
Jim Molinaro. Gibbs noted the versatility of both players as a
huge strength. Wilson, who has great size at 6-foot-6 and 317
pounds, provides instant depth at tackle and guard. Molinaro, who
can also play inside or outside, is more of a developmental
project.
2004 Draft Picks: (1st round-5th
overall) S-Sean Taylor, Miami-FL; (3-81) TE- Chris Cooley, Utah
State; (5-151) OT-Mark Wilson, Cal; (6-180) OT-Jim Molinaro, Notre
Dame.
Sports Network Draft Grade: C+
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