REDSKINS RAP-UP: Skins Alienated Campbell, But Orakpo Will Be a Force
By Andy Gilliam
By default the Washington Redskins landed the best possible player to suit their most glaring need: pass rushing defensive end Brian Orakpo from the University of Texas.
Prior to selecting Orakpo with the 13th overall pick, the Redskins put out feelers to see if any team with a top five pick wanted to deal. The Skins made it no secret they were in the hunt for Southern Cal quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Just a few short weeks ago the Skins jumped into the bidding for disgruntled Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, yet failed in landing him. Thus, the Redskins' top brass sent out a second warning shot to Jason Campbell that they don't considered him their future.
The Jets traded up and took Sanchez with the fifth pick as the Skins backed into a wait-and-see mode. When the 13th pick came, the Skins wasted little time, grabbing Orakpo within 20 seconds.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe the Skins had a top five- ranked defense last year, yet registered just 24 sacks, with only 12 from defensive ends. Since then, they've lost Jason Taylor and their best young defensive end prospect, Demetric Evans, who bolted to San Francisco.
Experts predicted Orakpo would be gone when the Skins were put on the clock. So it’s safe to say the Skins got lucky, and, with a little help from divine intervention, they may turn out to have landed the best all-around player in the draft. With Orakpo lined up next to newly-acquired defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who will command double or triple teams, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Orakpo should start piling up the sacks, and quite possibly win Rookie of the Year honors.
In the later rounds, I like the pick of University of Maryland cornerback Kevin Barnes. This kid has the “look” of a cornerback. At 6-feet, 187 pounds, the former Terrapin can bring the heat. The Skins need a pass blitzing cornerback since the departure of Shawn Springs. In reading and seeing this kid on TV, I sense a swagger and air of confidence about him. It's possible he becomes a special talent...
See the Wednesday print edition of the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story.