Merriman is high-class...Q & A w/ skins.com

[jrockster21]

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=6323


He's already a top 20 draft pick and had no reason whatsoever to go to the local prospects work-out the skins held. He had already performed well at the combine and at MD's pro-day. This is a high-class player without a big ego and is definitely not a prima-donna. And (according to him) he's gained ~17 lbs. since the season ended and is at 274...good DE size.

I'm sold...a local prospect with a lot of skill and enough class to attend the locals workout. All that spells out 'c-o-r-e r-e-d-s-k-i-n' in my book!

Merriman at #9!!

[spanishomelette]

Originally posted by jrockster77
http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=6323


He's already a top 20 draft pick and had no reason whatsoever to go to the local prospects work-out the skins held. He had already performed well at the combine and at MD's pro-day. This is a high-class player without a big ego and is definitely not a prima-donna. And (according to him) he's gained ~17 lbs. since the season ended and is at 274...good DE size.

I'm sold...a local prospect with a lot of skill and enough class to attend the locals workout. All that spells out 'c-o-r-e r-e-d-s-k-i-n' in my book!

Merriman at #9!!

Destination DC? Shawne Merriman Q&A
By Gary Fitzgerald
Redskins.com
April 2, 2005



Shawne Merriman grew up in Upper Marlboro, Md., went to Frederick Douglass High School and developed into a standout linebacker at the University of Maryland. Expected to be one of the top 20 picks in the April 23-24 NFL Draft, Merriman attended the local college workout at Redskins Park last Friday. The Redskins have the ninth overall pick in the first round of the draft. Merriman spoke with Redskins.com shortly after the workout:
Q: First things first: You grew up in the area and you went to the University of Maryland. Are you a Redskins fan?
A: "I'm a bandwagon fan a little bit. [Laughs.] But because I'm from the area, I love the Redskins. A lot of my friends are Redskins fans. Plus, I have some close friends who play on the team."

Q: I know you didn't participate in Friday's workout, but what were your overall impressions?
A: "I tell you, I saw some talented players out there. I'm coming from this area, but I still didn't know too much about the players coming from the small schools. I was watching the coaches and I was watching the players. I saw a lot that impressed me."

http://www.redskins.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/PGNKCEBDGPID/Merriman-a6-c04gf222.jpg Shawne Merriman celebrates after a tackle against Florida State last season.

Q: You mentioned watching the coaches. What were your impressions of the coaching staff?
A: "It was a thrill. You watch them on TV a lot during games, but you don't get a chance to see them actually coach in practice and how they approach the game. To see them face-to-face and realize that you could be working and playing for these coaches in a matter of week, it's a big thrill."

Q: Did you meet individually with any of the scouts or coaches?
A: "I talked to everybody. I talked to Vinny Cerrato. I talked to Coach [Joe] Gibbs and all of the defensive coaches. I was real impressed with the level and style of coaching--they're very detail-oriented. And I was real impressed with how professional they all were. They showed me a lot of love and they showed me they were genuinely interested in me."

Q: You're considered a top 20 pick in the NFL Draft later this month and you didn't really have to come to this workout. Why did you want to come out?
A: "It's my hometown. Regardless if I come play here or not, it's my hometown and you always want to show your hometown some love, whether you're No. 1 or the last pick in the draft."

Q: You've been to the NFL Scouting Combine and you took part in the Pro Day at the University of Maryland on March 16. Is there anything more for you to do to help your draft status?
A: "I think I've done very well in showing people what I can do. I've had a lot of individual workouts already. I've been worked out by several teams. Everything has worked out well, so I'm just waiting to see what happens."

Q: Are NFL teams looking at you more as a linebacker or as a defensive end?
A: "It's about half and half right now. I'm at about 273 or 274 pounds right now, and that's a pretty good weight for me to play defensive end. I've bulked up about 16-17 pounds from my playing weight during the season. But I run a pretty good time in the 40, so teams know I have some speed. It'll be whatever a team wants me to do, then that's what I'll do."

Q: Are you hoping to get selected by the Redskins?
A: "I definitely wouldn't mind playing for the Redskins. If they need me, I'm here with a Redskins cap on and I'm ready to get out there and start working."

[33]

It's always scary when a young guy starts off with his hometown team, but I would welcome the character of a guy like Merriman anytime.

[mookie0720]

After having a few encounters personally with Shawne here on campus, and seeing the things he does in the community, all you people who clamor for "Joe Gibbs" type players should be salivating for him.

This guy is as classy as they come.

A kid who was 19-20 when he had the class about him to start a coat drive for deprived families and children.

A guy who volunteers and makes appearences in the community more than any college player around.

Not to mention freakish athletic ability, and a passion about the game that is unmatched by any college player I've ever seen.

If you ever watched him on Saturdays you would know he is as intense a player as there is out there, and you can really tell he loves to play the game.

[Warhead36]

He's a bandwagon fan, wonder what that means......

I think he will end up being the pick at #9 or a trade down.

[skinsaddict]

ok, I'm getting sold....

[TheDiplomat]

Originally posted by skinsaddict
ok, I'm getting sold....

ditto

[beastman]

I would love to have Merriman, but I just hope the FO can find another CB eiher later in the draft, or for cheap in FA, because if Shawn Springs goes down, like he has his entire career save last season, we are in deep poo poo.

[jrockster21]

Originally posted by beastman
I would love to have Merriman, but I just hope the FO can find another CB eiher later in the draft, or for cheap in FA, because if Shawn Springs goes down, like he has his entire career save last season, we are in deep poo poo.


1) GWill has already proven that he can find 'diamonds in the rough' at corner by picking up Garnell Wilds last season. True, it was one game, but it was against the top receiver in the league. He will be able to find someone who can give a solid contribution in the secondary.

2) Springs gets a bum-rap for being injury-prone, but he really hasn't missed that many games compared to someone like C. Brown, who is REALLY injury prone. He's played in 108 of 128 possible games (84%) and has missed more than 6 games only once in his career (8 in 2001). Not to mention he played in all 16 games three years in a row (98-00). Compared to C. Brown Springs is a fountain of youth!!!

[tr1]

I wouldn't be disappointed if we drafted him...though I don't think we will.

[beastman]

If you need to compare a player to Courtney Brown in order to validate his durability, its not a good sign.

The one question Springs carried with him to Redskin Park when he signed her was whether he could hold up physically given his career history. I am not comfortable with our 3rd CB being Garnell Wilds. Maybe after this season. But the kid is still very young, and if forced into the starting lineup could prove a liability.

That said, Merriman in the first, and a solod CB prospect in the 3rd(Ronald Bartell anyone?) would do me just fine.

[Dead Money]

He sounds a lot more appealing than the interviews I have seen and read with Rolle...

If he's this fast at 273 I wonder if he could even add another 7-8 pounds.. At 280 he would be a load. I'm almost coming 'round. The attitude scores more points than anything else!

[mookie0720]

Shawne has a certain controlled insanity about him on the field.

He plays the game with the passion of Lavar or ST, but he doesn't get all the stupid personal fouls.

[33]

Has he hired an agent? Is he going with his boy LA's choice of the Poston's? If so, then forget about it.

I'd still be very hesitant to draft a local guy.

[beastman]

Originally posted by bhayesp
Has he hired an agent? Is he going with his boy LA's choice of the Poston's? If so, then forget about it.

I'd still be very hesitant to draft a local guy.
Why? Do players suddenly begin to suck when they play near their home?

[PapaDRoc]

Originally posted by jrockster77
http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=6323


He's already a top 20 draft pick and had no reason whatsoever to go to the local prospects work-out the skins held. He had already performed well at the combine and at MD's pro-day. This is a high-class player without a big ego and is definitely not a prima-donna. And (according to him) he's gained ~17 lbs. since the season ended and is at 274...good DE size.

I'm sold...a local prospect with a lot of skill and enough class to attend the locals workout. All that spells out 'c-o-r-e r-e-d-s-k-i-n' in my book!

Merriman at #9!!

Yea this article really made want the Skins to draft Merriman. He seems like a huge workhorse (gaining 17 pounds since college) and a really classy guy. I'm a Terps fan too so that always helps. I'm just not sure if he is our biggest need.

We should find out on draft day.......:)

[jrockster21]

Originally posted by beastman
If you need to compare a player to Courtney Brown in order to validate his durability, its not a good sign.

The one question Springs carried with him to Redskin Park when he signed her was whether he could hold up physically given his career history. I am not comfortable with our 3rd CB being Garnell Wilds. Maybe after this season. But the kid is still very young, and if forced into the starting lineup could prove a liability.

That said, Merriman in the first, and a solod CB prospect in the 3rd(Ronald Bartell anyone?) would do me just fine.


Okay, how about this:

LA has played in 82.5% of the games in his career.
Springs has played in 84.4% of the games in his career.

So, LA is actually more injury prone than Springs!!


edit: Brown has played in only 59% of his games; I only compared Springs to him because he is the definition of an injury prone player. When you look at the percentages, Springs is really average when it comes to injuries.

[authentic]

the thing that sticks out is that he bulked up to 274... i would really like to have him at DE.

[33]

Originally posted by beastman

Why? Do players suddenly begin to suck when they play near their home?

It's a lot of pressure right off the bat. Tacked on to the pressure that you already have being a rookie. Family and friends asking for money, tix, this and that. Easy to get lazy since you already have star status in the town you play in, w/ out having to have had to earned it as a pro.

It's generally believed that you have to leave the nest to fully flourish on your own.

Hence, all the early talk of Levron leaving CLE.

[VaSkinsNut]

I've been firmly on the draft a cb bandwagon but I'm starting to like this guy. I wouldn't be upset if we drafted him at #9.

[terpfan]

I'd really like to have Merriman, but I think we would be hurting at CB. If we could sign Andre Dyson and then draft Merriman I would be very happy. :)

[Buford]

signing a guy like Dyson, and getting a really warrior type guy like Merriman to play DE and LB (to flip with Lavar at times) would be killer. I think we could wait until next year before taking a stud CB in the 1st.

[33]

Originally posted by Bufford
signing a guy like Dyson, and getting a really warrior type guy like Merriman to play DE and LB (to flip with Lavar at times) would be killer. I think we could wait until next year before taking a stud CB in the 1st.

Nice call Bufford. And Happy Belated Birthday.

I like the idea of waiting on a CB. I think we can let Harris play out this year and fill a bigger need.

[Buford]

If he has both Harris AND Dyson, then we would have a rookie that would be yelling to start right away.

With Merriman. He would be rotated in with the DE's.....AND that means he could be playing some LB when he's not a DE. Especially on rushing downs.

I mean, if Edwards or Williams fell to us, I think you can't pass on them. But I'd put this guy 3rd on my list for ones I want in the 1st.

[Hauss]

I agree with Bufford--sign Dyson--Merriman is perfect for a zone blitz package--having Merriman on the field with Arrington, Washington, Taylor, Griffin, etc. would be insane. He can spilt time with Wynn. If they don't want Dyson--why aren't we offering the Fins a 3rd round pick for Surtain.

[smack500]

This is going to be a big disapointment / let down. I like gibbs and Gw, but I dont think there going to make the right choice. I see them getting pollack, james, or spears and the cowboys getting merriman.

I hope Im wrong though.

[miragv]

You guys are so late on this

[33]

I don't even think we need to sign Dyson to make this work.

We have Springs and Harris to start. Harris has started plenty and a lot of people said when we signed him that it was a coup to have him as a nickel guy since he had been a starter for so long. So let him start, and get someone to compete with Wilds for the nickel.

DE is our biggest need IMO. If we have someone who can get pressure without us having to blitz as much, then our CB's no matter who they are look all the more better. Look at how much Kearse improved Philly's defense in that regard. They didn't miss Taylor and Vincent much because of the extra pressure Kearse was getting.

[jrockster21]

Originally posted by miragv
You guys are so late on this


The Q&A was posted on redskins.com today dude...chill.

Why you gotta be so bitter?!? :rolleyes:

[DonMagicJuan]

Ace Says "Alriiiiighty Then" When Ace gives his thumbs up, then i do too!

[terps'n'skins]

would love to get shawne merriman...

i think his visit to redskin park only helps our chances of getting him

[citigent]

not sure so just asking if we forget ideas of wr and cb and take merriman with the ninth pick and dont have a second is there any marginally deecent cb that could fall to the third round?

[FLSKINSFAN]

Originally posted by citigent
is there any marginally deecent cb that could fall to the third round?

Corey Webster could be available.

[chow184]

I really like shawne,but the only way I could be happy with drafting him is if we sign or trade for a good CB.

if we can sign andre dyson and draft Merriman I would be crying tears of joy.

[33]

What is everyone afraid of as far as CB is concerned?

Is it because Walt Harris isn't an everyday name? Cause it's not like the guy isn't a starter. If he was on another team I'll bet people would be clamoring to get HIM.

We need competition at the nickel spot. We don't need to draft a 1st round CB to compete for the nickel spot.

[bulldog]

Merriman bulked up from the 250's to the 270's after his last collegiate season. When I mentioned that he was a tweener a week ago I got jumped on because the guy is NOW 274.

But we haven't seen him PLAY at 274 on the defensive line. Maybe that's his spot in the NFL, maybe not.

With the #9 pick overall, I don't see the Redskins taking a guy that they HOPE can come in and play a set spot in the NFL, I think they are looking for a guy they have little question can do so.

[Danny Montana]

Originally posted by Bufford
I mean, if Edwards or Williams fell to us, I think you can't pass on them. But I'd put this guy 3rd on my list for ones I want in the 1st.

My thoughts exactly. :cheers:

[Dead Money]

Originally posted by bhayesp
What is everyone afraid of as far as CB is concerned?

Is it because Walt Harris isn't an everyday name? Cause it's not like the guy isn't a starter. If he was on another team I'll bet people would be clamoring to get HIM.

We need competition at the nickel spot. We don't need to draft a 1st round CB to compete for the nickel spot.

I for one am not afraid of walt harris being our number 2 CB... I'm afraid of Jimoke and Wilds having to start if either Harris or Springs goes down.

I think Rufus and Wilds might actaully pan out somday, but Jimoh scares me and I would feel a lot more comfortable if we had some cushion b/w starters and him...

[miragv]

Originally posted by jrockster77



The Q&A was posted on redskins.com today dude...chill.

Why you gotta be so bitter?!? :rolleyes:


No, not late on the article.....late on knowing how much of a beast Shawne Merriman is.

[33]

Originally posted by Kevin B.


I for one am not afraid of walt harris being our number 2 CB... I'm afraid of Jimoke and Wilds having to start if either Harris or Springs goes down.

I think Rufus and Wilds might actaully pan out somday, but Jimoh scares me and I would feel a lot more comfortable if we had some cushion b/w starters and him...

I feel this. I understand. But if your fear is depth, then I wouldn't go out of my way to spend a 1st round pick on depth unless we felt comfortable everywhere else and were taking the best available player.

[ohioskinfan]

Please, do not ignore our dl another year. As it stands, i would like to draft 2 de, and 1 dt for our future.

[fpickering]

Originally posted by jrockster77



1) GWill has already proven that he can find 'diamonds in the rough' at corner by picking up Garnell Wilds last season. True, it was one game, but it was against the top receiver in the league. He will be able to find someone who can give a solid contribution in the secondary.

2) Springs gets a bum-rap for being injury-prone, but he really hasn't missed that many games compared to someone like C. Brown, who is REALLY injury prone. He's played in 108 of 128 possible games (84%) and has missed more than 6 games only once in his career (8 in 2001). Not to mention he played in all 16 games three years in a row (98-00). Compared to C. Brown Springs is a fountain of youth!!!

Wilds also played very solid in the preseason and I for one was surprised that he did not make the opening day roster over a guy like Jimoh. I was very happy to see him added. This guy is good and I look forward to seeing him more this season.

Thank you for pointing out that out about Springs. Yes, he does seem to get hurt more than the average player but it has not seemed to keep him out of games.

[Utah]

With the first pick, we are going to take the guy that best matches our defensive or offensive philosiphy. No doubt that there is at least 3 or 4 guys who fit that bill.

I think it will all come down to which player on the board do the coaches have as the higher impact.

Mind you, I realize that this is just smoke being blown but its tough trying to figure out what the coaches deem as an impact player.

I am not sure that Coach will deem any of the players on the top of the board that we have a shot at as impact players on offense. I think Williams and Edwards would both fit the bill, but they won't be there.

On defense, do we go after a Merriman type player before we get a new corner? Thats the question.

Plus, what if anything, do we get for Gardner. That can change our draft strategy dramatically.

All will be interesting come the end of April.

[fpickering]

Originally posted by bhayesp
I don't even think we need to sign Dyson to make this work.

We have Springs and Harris to start. Harris has started plenty and a lot of people said when we signed him that it was a coup to have him as a nickel guy since he had been a starter for so long. So let him start, and get someone to compete with Wilds for the nickel.

DE is our biggest need IMO. If we have someone who can get pressure without us having to blitz as much, then our CB's no matter who they are look all the more better. Look at how much Kearse improved Philly's defense in that regard. They didn't miss Taylor and Vincent much because of the extra pressure Kearse was getting.

Personally I am not sold on Harris being a #2 CB. I do like him in the nickle role.

[illone]

Originally posted by Bufford
signing a guy like Dyson, and getting a really warrior type guy like Merriman to play DE and LB (to flip with Lavar at times) would be killer. I think we could wait until next year before taking a stud CB in the 1st.


Plus, I think a few posters in this thread forgot that we have more than just a 1st round draft pick. We could easily draft Merriman in the 1st and find a utility CB player in the 3rd or 4th.

Merriman would just be a good fit for GW. His versatility is exactly what our defense could use to get to the next level.

[GURU]

Merriman bulked up from the 250's to the 270's after his last collegiate season. When I mentioned that he was a tweener a week ago I got jumped on because the guy is NOW 274.

But we haven't seen him PLAY at 274 on the defensive line. Maybe that's his spot in the NFL, maybe not.

The thing is, Merriman played defensive end very well at around 255lbs, and you actually have film of him playing DE at that weight. The fact that he can even get to 274lbs is encouraging. Some very good DEs have been playing in NFL for years and can't put on that much weight, no matter how much they work out. Will the extra weight adversely affect his play? Well, his workout numbers suggest otherwise. Of course, you can't just go by workout numbers. But my guess is that film will show that the guy knows how to play, and extra weight doens't make you dumber.

I just wouldn't get too concerned about his weight, period. You don't really have to project him as a defensive end, because that's what he played in college. You really have to project him more as a linebacker. It's not like he was one of those TRUE "tweeners," which are 240lb college defensive ends.

I like what Merriman has going on above his shoulders. He's intelligent and conscientious. I saw an interview with him, and his demeanor reminded me of Charles Mann, who Gibbs will tell you is one of the smartest players he's coached.

Please keep in mind that Gregg Williams' defense begins and ends with PRESSURE. Everything is predicated on pressure. While it's great to have, you don't need cornerbacks who can blanket receivers 40 yards downfield if the QB doesn't have time to look 40 yards downfield.

This draft is very deep in the cornerback department. I think you'll be able to find some very intreaguing prospects as late as the 3rd or 4th rounds. They might not be as complete or polished as the guys you'll get at the top of the first round, but I think the Skins have enough depth there to allow a guy to develop. As is usually the case, defensive linemen who can rush the passer are probably going to be off the board by the early second round. After that, I think what you'll have left are extreme projects who might take a long time to become productive, if ever; or situational pass rushers--the Skins don't need more of those.

I'm on the Merriman bandwagon. I think he'd be a great pick for the Redskins at #9.

[TheSource]

I saw him play in Charlottesville last season and I never really thought he made an impact on the field. There were even cases where Heath Miller blocked him downfield. He didn't command the respect of a double team either. I think he had several tackles but again, not many "impact" plays.

On paper he looks good, and he sounds like a good guy, I just don't think he's the right pick at #9. I'm all for a Gibbs-style player.....but I think we can do better with the #9 pick. If they think he's the guy, they should try to trade down a few slots....I just think #9 is way too high.

If this was even an "average" year for pass rushing ends, Merriman and top 10 pick wouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath.

:paranoid:

[ciresolstice]

Originally posted by Bufford
If he has both Harris AND Dyson, then we would have a rookie that would be yelling to start right away.

With Merriman. He would be rotated in with the DE's.....AND that means he could be playing some LB when he's not a DE. Especially on rushing downs.

I mean, if Edwards or Williams fell to us, I think you can't pass on them. But I'd put this guy 3rd on my list for ones I want in the 1st.

^^^^^^^
i love the idea of that and man im late on this q&a with Merriman. sounds good though.

"Q: Are you hoping to get selected by the Redskins?
A: "I definitely wouldn't mind playing for the Redskins. If they need me, I'm here with a Redskins cap on and I'm ready to get out there and start working.""

^^^ hmm..just might happen.

[TheLongshot]

I am not comfortable with our 3rd CB being Garnell Wilds. Maybe after this season. But the kid is still very young, and if forced into the starting lineup could prove a liability.

How is drafting a CB improving on this? At least Wilds has a year of experience in the defense. (I also suspect that Andre Lott will probably see a lot of nickel duty as well.) No matter who you draft, the guy is going to have to make an adjustment.

Personally, I think we should draft him because there isn't a whole lot of impact ends in the draft, while CB is fairly deep. I could easily see Merriman comming in on passing downs and just teeing off on the QB...