Should Have The Washington Redskins Drafted Differently?

Below are the abbreviations for the positional players:


QB = quarterback
RB = running back
FB = full back
WR = wide receiver
TE = tight end

C = center
OT = offensive tackle
OG = offensive guard

DT = defensive tackle
DE = defensive end

LB = line backer

CB = corner back
S = safety
SS = strong safety
FS = free safety

P = punter
PK = place kicker
KR = kick returner

The Washington Redskins only had three draft picks in the 2003 NFL Draft because of previous trades. With only three picks, obviously the Redskins are not going to get much youth on the team.

In the 2nd round, the Redskins drafted Taylor Jacobs (WR) and was with the team for only three years. This was a terrible pick considering Anquan Boldin (WR) was still available. Instead of Boldin, the Redskins could have drafted Osi Umenyiora (DE), Lance Briggs (LB) or Jason Witten (TE).

The Redskins selected Derrick Dockery (OG) in the 3rd round and was actually a really solid pick by the team. He helped make the Redskins' offensive line stable, but in 2007, he signed a huge contract to play for the Buffalo Bills.

With the Redskins' last pick in the draft (232nd overall), Washington selected Gibran Hamdan (QB). You can't expect much in the 7th round, but a better pick here would have been Tony Romo (QB). He actually went undrafted so Romo was available to any team that wanted to sign him. The Redskins could have had their future franchise quarterback.

Antonio Gates (TE) and Kris Dielman (OG) were also undrafted and should have been signed by the Washington Redskins, but were not.


Summary Of Players The Washington Redskins Should Have Acquired In 2003

Anquan Boldin
Tony Romo
Antonio Gates
Kris Dielman

Again, the Redskins were limited to just four draft picks in the 2004 NFL Draft. With the 5th overall selection, they chose Sean Taylor (FS). He was an excellent pick (a two-time Pro Bowler). Taylor was known as a hard-hitting safety. Tragically, he was murdered on November 27, 2007.

The Redskins drafted Chris Cooley (TE) in the 3rd round and again was a tremendous pick. Cooley is one of the better tight ends in the game.

Mark Wilson (OT) was drafted by the Redskins in round 5. He was only with the team for two years. A better pick here would have been Michael Turner (RB). The Redskins, in the 6th round, selected Jim Molinaro (OT) and he was only with the team for three years. Derrick Ward (RB) was still available on the draft board.


Summary Of Players The Washington Redskins Should Have Acquired In 2004

Michael Turner
Derrick Ward

Finally, the Washington Redskins had a respectable number of draft picks for the 2005 NFL Draft (6 picks total). With the 9th overall pick, the Redskins selected Carlos Rogers (CB). He has been a solid player, but the Redskins may have gotten more value out of future Pro Bowl players like Shawne Merriman (LB), DeMarcus Ware (LB) or Jammal Brown (OT).

The Redskins had a rare second 1st round pick and they grabbed Jason Campbell (QB). The franchise is hoping Campbell will be their quarterback for the future. In 2008, he had played well at first, then became inconsistent. Instead of Campbell, the Redskins could have drafted Logan Mankins (OG), Lofa Tatupu (LB), Frank Gore (RB) or Marion Barber III (RB).

The team had to wait until the 4th round for their next draft pick, which the Redskins used to select Manuel White (FB). Drafting fullbacks doesn't happen often and White was only with the team for two years. A better pick here would have been Trent Cole (DE) or Darren Sproles (RB).

Draft picks after Trent Cole have not amounted to much, so the Redskins could have used their three late-round picks on guys that were not even drafted like Ryan Grant (RB), Joshua Cribbs (KR) and Atari Bigby (S).


Summary Of Players The Washington Redskins Should Have Acquired In 2005

Shawne Merriman
Trent Cole
Ryan Grant
Joshua Cribbs
Atari Bigby

1. Clinton Portis
2. Jason Campbell
3. Santana Moss
4. Chris Cooley
5. Antwaan Randle El

In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins did not have a 1st round draft pick. In round 2, with the 35th overall pick, the Redskins selected Rocky McIntosh (LB). So far he has been a solid player. More time will be needed to determine if he is a Pro Bowl-caliber star. The team could have drafted guys that are considered some of the best at their positions right now like Marcus McNeill (OT), Greg Jennings (WR), Devin Hester (KR) or Brandon Marshall (WR).

The Redskins had to wait until round 5 for their next draft selection, which was used on Anthony Montgomery (DT). A better pick here would have been Omar Gaither (LB).

In the 6th round, the Redskins picked Reed Doughty (S). He is a valuable player for the team, but Antoine Bethea (FS) was still available and plays at a slightly higher level than Doughty (Bethea has more tackles and interceptions).


Summary Of Players The Washington Redskins Should Have Acquired In 2006

Devin Hester
Omar Gaither
Antoine Bethea

The overall lack of draft picks over the least few years has hampered the Washington Redskins' ability to build a long-term team for the future. The Redskins have been known to sign aged veterans. However, if any team needs to maximize their draft picks, it's the Washington Redskins.

Below is the team the Redskins should have drafted from 2003 - 2006. Teams will always make mistakes with their draft selections (some turn out to be busts and a select few will be winners). The team below is based on draft positions and team needs.

Jason Campbell (QB)
Tony Romo (QB)

Michael Turner (RB)
Ryan Grant (RB)
Derrick Ward (RB)

Anquan Boldin (WR)

Chris Cooley (TE)
Antonio Gates (TE)

Derrick Dockery (OG)
Kris Dielman (OG)
Jammal Brown (OT)
Marcus McNeill (OT)

Trent Cole (DE)

Omar Gaither (LB)

Sean Taylor (FS)
Antoine Bethea (FS)
Atari Bigby (S)

Joshua Cribbs (KR)