The best linebackers still available to sign in free agency are.....

[inmate running the asylum]

Well we know the Redskins are going to draft some linebackers, but do they really want a rookie starting in game 1? I doubt it, being that Carlos Rogers didn't start until the middle of the season last year. And the linebacker position is even more complex to learn, as CB is based more on athletic ability, rather than cerebral.

Below is a list of the best linebackers still available in free agency. In my opinion the Skins should sign Tommy Polley. He is a playmaker; is 6-4 and only 28; is fast and started for the Ravens last year and had 96 tackles and 4 sacks. He can play both weakside LB and strongside LB. In a prior year with the Rams he had 4 interceptions. To my knowledge, Polly hasn't made any visits to any teams so far.

Tommy Polley
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235236

My other choices who are at least playmakers would be:


2 - Na'il Diggs - if his knees are o.k.
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187526

3 - Jamie Winborn - a little short at 5-11, but he makes plays
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235259

4 - Brandon Short - versatile, can also play MLB and special teams
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187645

5 - Keith Adams - is not the answer as a starter but is a good special teamer.
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235011

Who do I think the Redskins will sign though? Keith Adams. :doh:
What do you guys think? With the exception of Jboomer. :silly:


Others:
Brad Kassell - 26
Chris Claiborne - 28
Barrett Green - 29
Brian Allen - 27
Jeff Gooch 32
Keith Newman - 31
Nate Wayne - 31
Nick Griesen - 27
Raonall Smith - 28
Rocky Calmus - 27
Saleem Rasheed 25
T. J. Slaughter - 29
Warrick Holdman - 31
LaVar who?

[DCsportsfan53]

I think we may draft some LBs but McCune or Clemons will be the starting WLB this year. BTW, can't you just ask Miss Cleo which LB we'll get so we can put an end to the discussion :D ?

[GiantsFanMan]

There will be a good OLB in the draft when you guys pick. This drafts deep as hell at OLB.

[TheLongshot]

Well we know the Redskins are going to draft some linebackers, but do they really want a rookie starting in game 1? I doubt it, being that Carlos Rogers didn't start until the middle of the season last year. And the linebacker position is even more complex to learn, as CB is based more on athletic ability, rather than cerebral.

Which is why I think the starter is probably going to come from someone already on the team.

Considering that there isn't a big hurry to bring people in by the team, I have a feeling that's the way they are going to go. They may pick up a vet sometime after the draft, but I'm not expecting any signings before the draft.

Jason

[flippo07]

McCune starting at WLB.... i think thats hilarious.... Tommy Polley would be a fantastic fit but he might be demanding some money...

[Oldskool]

None of these guys "wow" me at all. Polley and Adams seem to be the cream of the crop (and thats not saying much). :doh:

[RabidFan]

I think Brandon Short was already signed off the market.

[inmate running the asylum]

I think we may draft some LBs but McCune or Clemons will be the starting WLB this year. BTW, can't you just ask Miss Cleo which LB we'll get so we can put an end to the discussion :D ?

Miss Cleo is pissed off at me right now because I didn't paint her toenails a couple weeks ago. :silly:

Actually, the Skins probably will re-sign Warrick Holdman, although I think they can do better. :doh:

[Yusuf06]

I didn't realize there were that many decent OLBs available. That being the case there's no reason we couldn't both draft one and sign a short term starter...it's that whole supply and demand thing.

[az1041]

I dont think we need to pick up a lb at all in free agency. The olb class this year in the draft is deep, and filled with many athletes that can fit in at that will position. Also, i think a sleeper for the spot is Khary Campbell. Hes been on the roster to about 3 years now and has been great on sp. teams. I can see us giving him a shot like we did Lemar, and it working out!

[DCsportsfan53]

Well we know the Redskins are going to draft some linebackers, but do they really want a rookie starting in game 1? I doubt it, being that Carlos Rogers didn't start until the middle of the season last year. And the linebacker position is even more complex to learn, as CB is based more on athletic ability, rather than cerebral.



Where did you get this idea from? I've always heard CB is one the most difficult college to pro transitions. It's very much cerebral because it's all about confidence as a CB out there on an island. A rookie LB can come in and stop the run or rush the passer (ie Merriman, Suggs, Ware, ect. Defensive rookie of the year is often a LB) but any rookie corner is going to look foolish when put out there against a vet WR who runs good routes. I'm not saying I think we'll start a rookie LB this year (althoug, this draft is extremely deep for LBs so who knows) but I think this statement is entirely false. It's much easier and more common for rookie LBs to succeed year one than rookie CBs.

[DCsportsfan53]

Miss Cleo is pissed off at me right now because I didn't paint her toenails a couple weeks ago. :silly:

Actually, the Skins probably will re-sign Warrick Holdman, although I think they can do better. :doh:

I think he's a good reserve guy but not a good starter. He's excellent in coverage but he's terrible at shedding blocks and fighting through traffic. He'd make a good passing down nickel backer, though, if we have another option as a starter and the price is right.


I didn't realize there were that many decent OLBs available. That being the case there's no reason we couldn't both draft one and sign a short term starter...it's that whole supply and demand thing.

LB is probably second only to RB in plug and play ability. There's a ton of them out there and with a solid D-line they don't have to be extraordinarily talented to be successul. That's why Lavar's contract was so ridiculous. When you can get comparable play from guys like AP and Lemar who were undrafted, why would ever give a LB a 65 mil contract? It just doesn't make sense.

[az1041]

Originally Posted by inmate running the asylum
"Well we know the Redskins are going to draft some linebackers, but do they really want a rookie starting in game 1? I doubt it, being that Carlos Rogers didn't start until the middle of the season last year. And the linebacker position is even more complex to learn, as CB is based more on athletic ability, rather than cerebral. "



Actually... cb is not only based on athletic ability, if it was... it would be the easiest postion to play in the nfl since every single corner in the ncaa is "athletic". All of them run 4.4's and are combine guys. But, its the ability to read routes and play the ball in the air that sets them apart. Linebacker is a positon that will not kill you if you have a guy that makes a mistake but can make it up with athletic ability (i.e. Lavar Arrington).

[fdarugar]

I think we will resign Holdman and have a preseason/minicamp battle between, Clemons, Holdman, and a rookie for the starting spot.

[az1041]

I think we will resign Holdman and have a preseason/minicamp battle between, Clemons, Holdman, and a rookie for the starting spot.



We still haven't resigned Holdman yet, and it doesn't look like we will either.

[Cambl2Moss]

I think we will resign Holdman and have a preseason/minicamp battle between, Clemons, Holdman, and a rookie for the starting spot.

What about Mccune? hes a man beast

[MCnDaHouse]

Unless they can really "coach up" McCune, I don't know if he is the answer. He barely stayed on the team last year. Of course maybe LB wasn't a priority last year.

I'd love to see him do well and fill that position. It sounded like he had a lot of potential.

MC :logo:

[Steve567]

I dont think we need to pick up a lb at all in free agency. The olb class this year in the draft is deep, and filled with many athletes that can fit in at that will position. Also, i think a sleeper for the spot is Khary Campbell. Hes been on the roster to about 3 years now and has been great on sp. teams. I can see us giving him a shot like we did Lemar, and it working out!

I agree totally. Campbell led the team in special teams tackles last year. He proved to have a nose for the ball. I'd like to see him see more playing time.

[DCsportsfan53]

Unless they can really "coach up" McCune, I don't know if he is the answer. He barely stayed on the team last year. Of course maybe LB wasn't a priority last year.

I'd love to see him do well and fill that position. It sounded like he had a lot of potential.

MC :logo:

Actually, he was on the practice squad early in the season but worked his way on to the active roster later in the season and towards the end saw a lot of ST work as well as some LB work. He played in both playoff games as well. That sounds to me like someone who was coming on at the end of the season and was learning, not bad for a second day pick. Hopefully, he'll be ready for increased action this year. I'd love to see him go out and outright win that job in preseason.

[painfulyetloyal]

Id like it if we got D'Qwell in the second and let him fight it out in preseason but I really hope to see McCune get a shot this season.

[TheLongshot]

I think we will resign Holdman and have a preseason/minicamp battle between, Clemons, Holdman, and a rookie for the starting spot.

I wouldn't rule out Jashon Sykes either, who started with Denver.

Jason

[fdarugar]

I wouldn't rule out Jashon Sykes either, who started with Denver.

Jason

Forgot about him...I really like the fact that he started a full year with Denver in 04. I still think for some reason Clemons has the inside edge at the WSLB position...personally I don't really like it as of now but I think the kid has got the talent to be very explosive.

[stwasm]

[QUOTE=inmate running the asylum]Well we know the Redskins are going to draft some linebackers, but do they really want a rookie starting in game 1[QUOTE]

I seem to recall one LaVar Arrington starting at weak-side linebacker in his first career game. And to go back in history, the Redskins took Andre Collins in the 1990 draft with the #54 pick, second round. He started every game he played here and started Super Bowl XXVI for us. Don't just dismiss a rookie linebacker from the second round.

[jimster]

Others:
Brad Kassell - 26
Chris Claiborne - 28
Barrett Green - 29
Brian Allen - 27
Jeff Gooch 32
Keith Newman - 31
Nate Wayne - 31
Nick Griesen - 27
Raonall Smith - 28
Rocky Calmus - 27
Saleem Rasheed 25
T. J. Slaughter - 29
Warrick Holdman - 31
LaVar who?

I don't particularly like any of those guys. - I think we will draft a LB and bring him along (or at least give him the chance to) with Clemons.

There's a difference between Rogers last year at CB and a rookie OLB as far as knowing what to do and playing time.

If for some reason that doesn't work out, chances are most of that list will still be available during training camp.



...I'm still waiting for Ms Cleo's explaination on John Abraham.

.

[Fergasun]

Nick Griesen!
I don't know why the Giants didn't re-sign him, but I think he would be a beast of a LB on our team. Plus, we can get pay-back for Antonio Pierce.

[shallyshal]

Well we know the Redskins are going to draft some linebackers, but do they really want a rookie starting in game 1? I doubt it, being that Carlos Rogers didn't start until the middle of the season last year. And the linebacker position is even more complex to learn, as CB is based more on athletic ability, rather than cerebral.

Below is a list of the best linebackers still available in free agency. In my opinion the Skins should sign Tommy Polley. He is a playmaker; is 6-4 and only 28; is fast and started for the Ravens last year and had 96 tackles and 4 sacks. He can play both weakside LB and strongside LB. In a prior year with the Rams he had 4 interceptions. To my knowledge, Polly hasn't made any visits to any teams so far.

Tommy Polley
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235236

My other choices who are at least playmakers would be:


2 - Na'il Diggs - if his knees are o.k.
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187526

3 - Jamie Winborn - a little short at 5-11, but he makes plays
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235259

4 - Brandon Short - versatile, can also play MLB and special teams
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187645

5 - Keith Adams - is not the answer as a starter but is a good special teamer.
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235011

Who do I think the Redskins will sign though? Keith Adams. :doh:
What do you guys think? With the exception of Jboomer. :silly:


Others:
Brad Kassell - 26
Chris Claiborne - 28
Barrett Green - 29
Brian Allen - 27
Jeff Gooch 32
Keith Newman - 31
Nate Wayne - 31
Nick Griesen - 27
Raonall Smith - 28
Rocky Calmus - 27
Saleem Rasheed 25
T. J. Slaughter - 29
Warrick Holdman - 31
LaVar who?



polley kind of fits the mold.. former high pick and under 30... plus he is versatile. it is just that i have never been impressed with his intensity. he always seems to be just going through the motions. also, he seems to get beaten a lot..

as for the others:

adams-- a self made player. very high motor. good special teamer. quick. very familiar with nfc east. should love playing dallas and eagles..weaknesses? not real strong at point of attack. always seems to be being replaced. a situational player at best.

brandon short-- i thought he just signed with carolina?

winborn-- excellent inside player. but always seems to get hurt

[RDSKNfaithfull]

I say we pull a Patriot like move and have Lavar swallow his pride and come back.

[inmate running the asylum]

Tampa Bay just signed Jamie Winborn. :doh1: :bucsuck:


1 - Tommy Polley
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235236

My other choices who are at least playmakers would be:

2 - Na'il Diggs - if his knees are o.k.
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187526

3 - Jamie Winborn - a little short at 5-11, but he makes plays
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235259

4 - Brandon Short - versatile, can also play MLB and special teams
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/187645

5 - Keith Adams - is not the answer as a starter but is a good special teamer.
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/235011

[atloldskin]

Resign Holdman and draft Jackson from Maryland!

[ratbert_rizzo]

I thought Jamie Winborn might have been a nice signing. Oh well, Polley or Diggs would be fine decent aged guys. Jamie Sharper would be great IF his knee is healthy and Junior Seau might be ok for a one year deal. We should probably draft a linebacker in the 2nd regardless of whether we sign anybody. Odell Thurman and Lofa Tatupu were 2nd rounders last year who had no problem making the transition to the pros. Channing Crowder was a 3rd rounder and he didn't have much of a problem after he got the starting job.

[PotomacSkinsFan]

we should wait for the draft and/or the june 1st cuts.

[dreamshatterer]

McCune starting at WLB.... i think thats hilarious.... Tommy Polley would be a fantastic fit but he might be demanding some money...

He couldn't without one word of nany team intrested in him.

[shallyshal]

winborn is an inside player (best for a 3/4) and we are overloaded inside anyway.
seau is so old he cannot move.
diggs has abad knee
polley has under produced.
adams may sing in oaktown, so we may end up drafting someone as you suggest.

nate wayne is another possibility

[moondog]

I think Chris Clemons proved himself last year as a legitimate contender, especially with his ability to rush the passer, which obviously Williams really liked in him. I think he and McCune both have a lot of raw talent, and this system is could be great for either of them-they both have some good speed and just seem to fit that hard work, hit em hard with all ya got mentality that has really become a theme here.

I'd love to see one of these guys really flourish. Calmus and Claiborne aren't bad players, but if it's not somebody already on our roster, I think the options left in the draft's second round are better choices, if the coaches decide they need to obtain another linebacker. I don't really like Holdman and I don't see it doing us much good to re-sign him, imo McCune and Clemons are more important to us and can do much more, despite his veteran experience.

[ratbert_rizzo]

First of all Nate Wayne is washed up. He couldn't find a job til November last season, thats pretty sad.

Question: Did Chris Clemons actually play any snaps at linebacker last year because I don't remember it? Just because he can rush the passer does not make him a starting linebacker.

[ciresolstice]

Polley gets lost in the shuffle...lost his place at starter several times with the Rams b4 going to the ravens. I dunno.

and I see th McCune love affair is still in full effect *lol*

yeah Id try to sign holdman(yikes) at least he knows the system, draft a great prospect, let them all battle it out in camps and see who shines.

[DonMagicJuan]

saleem rasheed! if he is used right, he can be a BEAST..i remember him in college!

[moondog]

He played A LOT last year ratbert. He shared some snaps with Holdman earlier in the year and played almost every third down once Lavar was starting again. He's got lots of game experience on both special teams and as linebacker. I think he finished the year with about 32 tackles and I know he had 3 sacks to finish the year.

[terpfan]

I'd take Polley in a second...

[Skinja]

yeah Id try to sign holdman(yikes) at least he knows the system, draft a great prospect, let them all battle it out in camps and see who shines.

well played...except you gotta throw clemons in there too imo

[e16bball]

We should probably draft a linebacker in the 2nd regardless of whether we sign anybody. Odell Thurman and Lofa Tatupu were 2nd rounders last year who had no problem making the transition to the pros. Channing Crowder was a 3rd rounder and he didn't have much of a problem after he got the starting job.

Three good examples of rookie LBs succeeding, and you can also throw in Leroy Hill and Kirk Morrison (not to mention 1st rounders like Derrick Johnson, Merriman, and Ware).

I would really enjoy seeing D'Qwell Jackson or Rocky McIntosh starting at WLB next season.

[bulldog]

linebackers start earlier in their careers than corners. the learning curve tends to be shorter. I don't have any qualms about drafting a OLB and letting him play his way onto the field.

[CPstretch]

jamie winborn was signed by the bucs today i believe so you can take him off the list

[eagleskins]

Brad Kassell could be a beast in our system.

[SkinSince87]

blah blah blah everyone can be a beast lavar was a beast, we need solid not beast i like polley well....cause im a FSU fan, HAIL

[jschlesi]

Lavar is still available and considered to be the best LB on the market.

[IronMike]

I would hold off until after the draft. I can see us drafting a good LB in the second round: someone who can start and contribute by mid-season if not sooner.
I doubt that Clemons has the skills of a classic OLB, but in Greg Williams system, he could be very effective rushing off the edge or sneaking up the middle. I see lots of stunts and combos up the middle with CG and RW, while our DEs are crashing wide. If he has to cover backs in space, I am worried that he will be burned. Yes, he played a lot last year, but often at DE, and rushing the passer.
Finally K. Campbell may be ready for some snaps at OLB. GW will use him in certain packages.

:applause: