NFL Team Report – Washington Redskins – INSIDE SLANT
After beginning Friday’s draft as one of only two teams that hadn’t chosen a player in Thursday’s first round, the Washington Redskins waited even longer to add some talent, dropping 13 spots in a trade with Dallas while picking up a third-rounder from the Cowboys. At No. 47, the Redskins selected Stanford outside linebacker Trent Murphy, who led the nation as a senior with 15 sacks in 2013.
Bypassing possible starting right tackles and other prospects that might contribute more immediately, the Redskins lived up to general manager Bruce Allen’s comment this week that they “don’t have any gaping holes” despite last season’s 3-13 record. Coach Jay Gruden added that Washington’s productive free-agent signing period allowed the Redskins to increase their depth rather than drafting an immediate starter.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Murphy will begin competing with holdovers Rob Jackson and Brandon Jenkins to back up Pro Bowl outside linebackers Brian Orakpo (2009-10, 2013) and Ryan Kerrigan (2012).
Orakpo, who was franchised this offseason, is due to be a free agent in 2015. Kerrigan would follow suit in 2016. Unlike Orakpo and Kerrigan, who were defensive ends in college, Murphy won’t have to change positions, having played outside linebacker in Stanford’s 3-4 scheme. Gruden said that Murphy could be used as an inside linebacker in nickel situations. Former inside linebacker London Fletcher, who announced the pick to the audience at Radio City Music Hall, retired after last season, his 16th in the NFL and his seventh with Washington.
“Hopefully I can find a role,” said Murphy, who wasn’t surprised to be chosen by Washington after he enjoyed his visit to Redskins Park earlier this spring. “I use (my) length and my hands (to get sacks). You talk to any offensive lineman I’ve pass rushed against, they’ll talk about how well I use my hands. They can never punch or get a strike on me. … The biggest challenge (for me( is consistency, that relentless effort every second, not just sporadically.”
Gruden called Murphy “a proven pass rusher. He works his tail off. He studies the game. He’s big. He’s long. I look at production, intensity, toughness and accountability.”
Washington made the playoffs in just one of the past six seasons, but Murphy is very happy to be a Redskin.
“Pure joy, such a sigh of relief to have this waiting game over,” he said from his home in Mesa, Ariz. “It definitely felt like home there so I couldn’t be more excited that’s where I ended up. It shows I was high on their board. That means a lot to be a team’s first pick even though it was not in the first round. I couldn’t be more excited to be that guy and to put that weight on my shoulders.”
The last four players chosen first by the Redskins who have played at least two NFL seasons — quarterback Robert Griffin III (2012), Kerrigan (2011), left tackle Trent Williams (2010) and Orakpo (2009) — were all chosen for Pro Bowls by their third seasons.
Gruden said while Washington considered taking Virginia offensive tackle Morgan Moses with the 47th pick, trading down to add a third-rounder was “a no-brainer,” especially when Moses was still on the board. The 6-foot-6, 314-pound Moses played better at left tackle in 2013 than he did earlier in his career at right tackle. However, with Williams entrenched on the left side, Moses is expected to challenge underwhelming incumbent Tyler Polumbus on the right side.
While Moses has the requisite size and strength, draft experts have questioned his work ethic — although Gruden called him a “high-motor” guy — which likely prompted his fall to the third round for a player who was one of the 30 to be invited by the NFL to Radio City Music Hall for the draft.
“It was a crazy wait, but I’m just happy to have the opportunity to have my name called, walk across that stage and put the hat on,” said Moses, a Richmond native whose youth football team was the Redskins. “It’s a blessing (to be a Redskin). I want to get in there and start working right now. I feel like I have all the ability to play at the next level.”
So does Nebraska guard Spencer Long, whom Washington selected with the 78th choice. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Long started two and a half years for the Cornhuskers before an injury to his left MCL and PCL ended his senior season. Long has played all three inside spots, more at right guard than at the other positions. Washington signed left guard Shawn Lauvao as a free agent and moved Kory Lichtensteiger, who’s 29, from that spot to center. Incumbent right guard Chris Chester is 31.
“I’ve been training full-go and I’m ready to hit the ground running,” said the gritty Long, who said his knee is good to go for next weekend’s rookie minicamp. “I have pretty good potential to make a difference.”
Gruden said the Redskins simply couldn’t pass up tall and talented offensive linemen like Moses and Long.
“The one thing you can’t coach is length,” said Gruden, who noted that he’s not as down on Washington’s returning offensive linemen (other than Williams) as many were last year. “They’ll contribute sooner rather than later.”
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NFL Team Report – Washington Redskins – NOTES, QUOTES
–Coach Jay Gruden was especially high on two of Washington’s five third-day draft picks, Clemson’s “technically sound” cornerback Bashaud Breeland in the fourth round and speedy Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk in the sixth round even if the latter doesn’t have experience catchign passes. Gruden singled out Breeland and seventh-round tight end Ted Bolser from Indiana as rookies who could bolster the Redskins’ league-worst special teams.
Gruden added that fifth-round receiver Ryan Grant from Tulane could have been picked earlier and that seventh-round kicker Zach Hosker from Arkansas could make the roster as a kickoff specialist if he doesn’t beat out accurate incumbent Kai Forbath.
“From a talent standpoint, I don’t think anybody can question that we’ve significantly upgraded out football team,” Gruden said evaluating the additions the Redskins have made in free agency and the draft to a team that went 3-13 last year, a season after winning the NFC East title.
— The Redskins re-signed 2012 free agent signee Tanard Jackson on May 7, a day after the safety was re-instated by the NFL after sitting out the past two seasons while serving a league-mandate substance abuse suspension. Jackson had been suspended for the first four games in 2009 and for the final 14 games of 2010 for similar transgressions while with Tampa Bay.
“When he was suspended, we understood he had to comply with a lot of rules and regulations that the league and the [NFL) Players Association have agreed to,” Redskins general manager Bruce Allen said on May 6. “I think it’s a compliment to him … that he still has a desire to play.”
Jackson, who’ll be 29 in July, joins starting free safety Brandon Meriweather and fellow holdovers Bacarri Rambo, Jose Gumbs and Trenton Robinson as well as free agent signee Ryan Clark and Phillip Thomas, who spent his rookie year on injured reserve with a Lis-Franc fracture in his left foot in a crowded safety competition.
— Allen’s father, late Hall of Fame coach George Allen, eschewed draft picks while in command of the Redskins from 1971-77. The son, who was the GM the past four years while Washington went 24-40, knows that the franchise didn’t build its success from 1971-1992 (12 winning season, five NFC championships, three Super Bowl titles) on the strength of its drafts, relying on trades and free agents, college and pro. Allen, who joined former coach Mike Shanahan in choosing Pro Bowl players Trent Williams, Ryan Kerrigan, Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris from 2010-12, would like to change that approach.
“The Washington Redskins have got a lot of hardware and flags up there not through the draft but through other means of player acquisition,” Allen said. “We’re looking forward to changing that and developing our players. We still have some young players on our roster who haven’t really played yet. I don’t think you can say we’ve done well (in recent drafts) because of our record.”
— Allen said that Stephen Bowen remains on schedule to return to action in June, six months after the 30-year-old right defensive end microfracture surgery on his right knee. The Redskins signed free agent end Jason Hatcher from Dallas and return disappointing left end Jarvis Jenkins as well as backups Chris Baker and Kedric Golston.
“The timetable hasn’t changed,” Allen said. “We’re going to have a better feel probably later in June, but he is progressing well. He’s done everything that the doctors wanted him to do at this point in time and he’s here every day working his butt off.”
Gruden added that tight end Jordan Reed, who missed the final seven games of his rookie year of 2013 with a concussion, is fully recovered.
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NFL Team Report – Washington Redskins – STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
A closer look at the Redskins’ picks:
Round 2/47 — Trent Murphy, OLB, 6-5, 250, Stanford
–The Redskins traded back 13 spots to pick up an extra third-rounder and used their top pick on the lanky Murphy, who led the nation with 15 sacks last season in the Cardinals’ 3-4 defense. Could give Washington leverage in contract negotiations with franchise outside linebacker Brian Orakpo if he shows some promise as a rookie backup to Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. Will play inside in nickel situations this year.
Round 3/66 — Morgan Moses, T, 6-6, 314, Virginia
–If offensive line Chris Foerster can get Moses to push himself, the four-year regular (two years at left tackle, two years at right tackle) for the Cavaliers can threaten Tyler Polumbus, who started the past two seasons on the right side. Washington’s recent draft picks on the O-line: Maurice Hurt (seventh round, 2011), Josh LeRibeus (third, 2012), Adam Gettis (fifth, 2012) and Tom Compton (sixth, 2012) haven’t produced much.
Round 3/78 — Spencer Long, G, 6-5, 320, Nebraska
–More tough than quick, Long saw action at all three interior spots in college with the most time at right guard. Battled knee injuries the past two seasons. Could challenge to start at center or guard in 2015.
Round 4/102 — Bashaud Breeland, CB, 5-11, 197, Clemson
–Athletic, quick and willing to play the run, Breeland, who came out a year early, seems like incumbent Redskins free safety Brandon Meriweather in sometimes playing out of control. With several veteran corners on the roster, Breeland will have to earn a job on special teams and can play safety in a pinch.
Round 5/142 — Ryan Grant, WR, 6-0, 199, Tulane
–Grant has good size and fine hands, but lacks speed and didn’t block particularly well at Tulane. Caught 77 passes for 1,039 yards and nine touchdowns last season, but his intensity has been questioned.
Round 6/186 — Lache Seastrunk, RB, 5-9, 201, Baylor
–Originally signed with Oregon but transferred after an advisor accepted a payment that landed the Ducks on probation. Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of Year in 2012 led conference with 107 yards per game in 2013. First Baylor player to rush for 1,000 yards more than once. Five of 19 touchdowns went for at least 68 yards.
Round 7/217 — Ted Bolser, TE, 6-5, 257, Indiana
–Set Indiana’s career tight end records with 117 catches, 1,337 yards and 15 touchdowns. Has size but doesn’t move well. High school receiver could be a better blocker but is a force covering kicks.
Round 7/228 — Zach Hocker, K, 6-0, 189, Arkansas
–Holds school records for field goal percentage, field goals. Hit five of seven from at least 50 yards. Could make roster as kickoff specialist if he doesn’t beat out incumbent kicker Kai Forbath.
PERSONNEL TRACKER
FRANCHISE PLAYER: LB Brian Orakpo (tendered at $11.455M; signed tender March 27).
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)
–WR Dezmon Briscoe (not tendered as RFA) spent last season on injured reserve after contributing little in 2012. If he returns, it will be by default.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
–ILB Nick Barnett signed with Washington just after training camp started. The former Green Bay and Buffalo starter saw some time as the season went on and London Fletcher showed his age, but he tore an ACL in the penultimate game against Dallas.
–TE Fred Davis was in line to be in Washington for years to come, but a marijuana suspension in 2011, a torn Achilles in 2012, a weak work ethic and an indefinite suspension last month means he’s an ex-Redskin.
–S Reed Doughty has overachieved, lasting eight seasons after being picked in the sixth round in 2006. He shouldn’t start again, but the hustler might be back depending on whether new special teams coach Ben Kotwica is a fan of his work in that area.
–QB Rex Grossman was a turnover machine as the starter in 2011 and didn’t play in either of the past two years. With his buddy, former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan gone, Grossman will follow.
–ILB Bryan Kehl finished 2012 strong on special teams but he tore an ACL in Week 6 last season and could well be gone as he turns 30 in July.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
–WR Aldrick Robinson (tendered at $570,000).
–DE Doug Worthington (tendered at $570,000).
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
–NT Chris Baker: Potential UFA; $12M/3 yrs, $4M guaranteed.
–CB E.J. Biggers: UFA; terms unknown.
–S Jose Gumbs: Potential ERFA; $495,000/1 yr.
–CB DeAngelo Hall: Potential UFA; $17M/4 yrs, $3.25M SB/$5.65M guaranteed.
–LB Rob Jackson: UFA; terms unknown.
–S Tanard Jackson: FA (had been released by Redskins after being reinstated from suspended list).
–S Brandon Meriweather: UFA; $1M/1 yr.
–WR Santana Moss: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–LB Brian Orakpo: FFA; $11.455M/1 yr.
–LB Perry Riley: Potential UFA; $13M/3 yrs.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–S Ryan Clark: UFA Steelers; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–DE Clifton Geathers: UFA Eagles; terms unknown.
–WR David Gettis: FA; $570,000/1 yr.
–DT Jason Hatcher: UFA Cowboys; $27.5M/4 yrs, $9M SB/$10.5M guaranteed.
–LB Adam Hayward: UFA Buccaneers; terms unknown.
–WR DeSean Jackson: FA Eagles; $32M/4 yrs, $5M SB/$16M guaranteed (final year voids five days after 2016 Super Bowl, making it $24M/3 yrs.
–LB Akeem Jordan: UFA Chiefs; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–C/G Kevin Kowalski: FA; $1.23M/2 yrs.
–G Shawn Lauvao: UFA Browns; $17M/4 yrs.
–QB Colt McCoy: UFA 49ers; terms unknown.
–G Mike McGlynn: UFA Colts; terms unknown.
–CB Tracy Porter: UFA Raiders; terms unknown.
–WR Andre Roberts: UFA Cardinals; $16M/4 yrs.
–ILB Darryl Sharpton: UFA Texans; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
–WR Josh Bellamy (released).
–DE Adam Carriker (released/failed physical).
–LB London Fletcher (UFA/retired).
–LB Josh Hull (released).
–C Will Montgomery (released/failed physical).
–WR Josh Morgan: UFA Bears; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–CB Ryan Mouton (released).
–P Sav Rocca (released).
–LB Darryl Tapp: UFA Lions; 1 yr, terms unknown.
–C J.D. Walton: UFA Giants; $5M/2 yrs, $1.25M SB/$3M guaranteed.
–CB Josh Wilson: UFA Falcons; 1 yr, terms unknown.
