Billy Houck Interviews Redskins Player Chris Cooley

Redskins Make Surprise Draft Choice in Second Round

Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen and recently hired head coach Jay Gruden officially completed their first NFL draft together last week.  

So, how did this duo fare with their draft picks? Expert opinions vary, with grades ranging from C to an A. The truth is, there's no reason to grade a team's draft prior to the season. Every year there are the can't-miss players that turn out as busts and the late-round players that surprise everyone with dazzling rookie seasons—Richard Sherman, Alfred Morris, Keenan Allen, to name a few.

Let's focus on who the team felt was top priority on their list.

With their first pick, coming in the second round, Washington decided to trade out of the No. 34 spot—swapping with Dallas' 47th pick. In the process, the Redskins gained another third-round choice.

Photo: Washingtonpost.com

At No. 47 overall, they chose a player that many fans and analysts considered a reach—Trent Murphy, a linebacker from Stanford.

Murphy, 23, is versatile at the defensive end or outside linebacker positions, much like Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo.

"I think he's a tough, hard-nosed kid" said former player Charles Davis.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock had Murphy rated as the fifth best defensive end in the draft.

Murphy has excellent instincts, toughness, a high motor, and outstanding sack production. He led the NCAA in sacks (15) last year as an outside linebacker. In 2012, he led his team with 10 sacks.

Checking in at 260 pounds, he isn't suited to play the end spot in the 3-4 scheme. The 6-foot-6-inch Murphy is too big to play inside linebacker and is limited in coverage. Kerrigan and Orakpo currently hold the outside linebacker positions. So, where does Murphy fit in exactly?

Gruden addressed this question in a post-draft press conference: 

"Coach Haslett has a lot of plans for him, but coming in right now, he's going to line up obviously at outside linebacker, back up Ryan [Kerrigan] and Brian [Orakpo] and provide us with some depth at that position. Anybody [who] knows the 3-4 [knows] you need to have depth at linebacker because those guys are working their tail off. They're dropping [into] coverage, they're rushing the passer, so it's very important in this day and age with no huddle that you keep these guys fresh and you're able to filter in guys in and out and make sure you can continue to get after the quarterback."

Insurance may be another reason for adding Murphy to the mix since Orakpo was not happy about being slapped with the franchise tag this offseason. He has made it very clear he would like to stay in Washington on a long-term deal. If the team does not offer him a lucrative contract before the 2015 free agency period begins, he could leave and sign elsewhere for a team that's willing to splurge.

Orakpo could potentially become the highest-paid defensive end in the NFL—or at least one of the highest paid linebackers.

Whether fans believe Murphy was a reach or not, they most likely agree that he is a better choice than Washington selecting Josh LeRibeus with their second pick in the 2012 draft. I'm speaking to you, Mike Shanahan.

Billy Houck Interviews Redskin Cory Raymer

'Skins and RFK Stadium Could Reunite

The Washington Redskins could be coming back to the District. Imagine that—a team actually playing in the city that they are named after.

Three months ago, six council members revealed a plan for a sports and entertainment complex in D.C. The plan examines "to see whether or not it makes sense to develop a 100,000-seat RFK domed stadium complex," said D.C. Council member Vincent B. Orange.

Other people involved have a different idea for the stadium; 75,000 seats and a retractable roof. Meanwhile, FedExField, the Redskins' current stadium, consists of 85,000 seats.

Mayoral candidate Jack Evans also shared his thoughts on the proposal.

"I would love to see a new stadium on the site where RFK currently exists," Evans said. "The transportation, the subway, the road system, the parking, everything is there for a football stadium."

Also under the plan, the DC Armory would be remodeled into a sound stage while the Langston Golf Course would become a PGA Championship golf course. Council members say the improvements would make the city a feasible option to host Super Bowls, golf tournaments and perhaps the Olympics.

Fred Davis in Trouble Again

Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis was arrested Thursday afternoon in Fairfax County and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Photo: NFL.com

This comes just one day after Davis was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. 

According to the Fairfax County Police Department, Davis was stopped around 3:45 p.m. near Gallows Road and Leesburg Pike, located in Tysons Corner. The police would not go into further detail.

"I'm disappointed for Fred," general manager Bruce Allen told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Allen did however have something positive to say about Davis. "He had to overcome a hurdle a few years ago, and he did it. He got injured and he worked hard to come back, and so it's up to Fred what his future holds."

Davis has managed to assemble quite the track record for himself. In 2011, the league suspended him for the remaining four games of the season after failing multiple tests for marijuana use.

The 28-year-old was set to become a free agent in March after signing a one-year contract with the Redskins last season. 

Davis, a once promising tight end, now with six seasons under his belt, has totaled 162 receptions for 2,043 yards and 13 touchdowns. To put these numbers into perspective, New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham managed 171 receptions for 2,197 yards and 25 touchdowns in the last two seasons. 

Washington attempted to trade Davis before the deadline, but no team had much interest. At this point, he may want to start filling out applications for a summer job before the high school students do.

Will the Redskins Coach Please Stand Up?

Photo: cheezburger.com

   There has been much speculation about who will be the next coach of the Washington Redskins. Big-name coaches, of course, were tossed around as possible candidates for the job—Jon Gruden, Lovie Smith, Bill Cowher, to name a few. However, those rumors got quiet rather fast once Gruden and Cowher both announced they have no plans to coach again, and then Smith signed a five-year deal with Tampa Bay.
   Then there were the Art Briles rumors that multiple "experts" believed to be a sure thing. Briles and the Redskins' coaching vacancy was a hot topic, causing as many negative arguments as positives ones. Yet, he will not be in the fold for the team because he has stated that his coaching days will continue at Baylor. There seems to be a pattern here. But, the truth is, it does not matter who everyone predicts will be the next man in charge; only Dan Snyder and Bruce Allen will have the final say. But hey, it does not hurt anyone to speculate.

   Mike Shanahan seemed qualified enough for the job, giving fans reason to be optimistic for a return to the promise land. That did not work out as planned. In fact, it has been too long to remember since a coach for this team has worked out as planned. Past achievements or fun personalities do not necessarily equal a winning formula, ah hem, see Shanahan, Jim Zorn, Joe Gibbs. Therefore, the 'Skins organization appears to be looking in the direction of NFL coordinators and college coaches, rather than has-been coaches and anyone that has strong ties with Robert Griffin III. 

   The list of candidates is quite long, at 11 total to date. Some of the names will have fans scratching their heads, with the likes of Rich Bisaccia and Perry Fewell. Neither one appears to be the next head coach of this franchise. But, that could be the type of thinking that has plagued the 'Skins when searching for someone in the past. 

   Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, brother of Jon Gruden, has jumped ahead of the coaching line and seems to be the front-runner for the job. On Tuesday night, Allen took Gruden out to dinner at a restaurant in Reston, Va. While this does not assure a hiring, it certainly shows interest among the two sides. Perhaps Allen will buy him dessert to sweeten the deal.

Woes and Worries in Washington

   The 2013 season has gotten off to a horrific and unexpected start for the Washington Redskins. There does not seem to be just one glaring problem, but many. Even Scooby-Doo and the gang could not solve this mystery.
   Robert Griffin III is not the same dynamic player he was before his ACL injury against the Seahawks. This does not mean he never will be the same RGIII we all love. But, it means that he needs to be honest about his health status and should not be playing unless he is near full strength.
   His road to recovery was the hottest topic this past summer. Coach Shanahan took precautions by keeping the franchise quarterback out of all preseason games in order to keep him from taking any more hits. While this may have seemed like a wise decision at the time, the slow start to the regular season has proven otherwise. Anyone watching the games can see he is uncomfortable, rusty, and lacking some of the confidence he usually has. Still, despite his throwing issues and lack of ability to run past defenders, the blame should not be solely on his shoulders.

Photo: Washington Post

   The running game has been decent, but nothing spectacular. Alfred Morris had a couple mistakes in the first game and does not seem like the 1,600 yard rusher he was a year ago. RGIII is not worrying opposing teams with running the ball, let alone throwing the ball. Roy Helu Jr. is the quickest running threat they have, but he's best for third down situations. Unfortunately, the problems don't stop there.
   Defense was supposed to be improved from previous years. On paper, it looks good. Brian Orakpo is back and his dominant play is noticeable. Ryan Kerrigan appears better than ever. David Amerson, the tallest of the cornerbacks, was the team's first pick in this year's draft to help out the secondary. Madieu Williams is no longer starting at safety, which is great! In fact, he is not even on the team anymore. Instead, 23-year-old Bacarri Rambo, also a draft pick from last year, is the new starter. Yet, with all of those upgrades, the defense still cannot stop anybody. They made LeSean McCoy and James Starks (a backup) look like the best running backs in the league.
   However, there is no reason to panic. RGIII improved in the second half of both games and looked sharper all around in the Green Bay game. Fans should look for him to gradually bounce back to his explosive form. As a result, Morris should also return to his mistake-free self that we are accustomed to. The defense is still going to have some questions. Jim Haslett recently took the blame for his unit's lackadaisical performances. Maybe he is partially to blame, but the fact is, they have rookies starting at two positions in the backfield and are without starting defensive end Jarvis Jenkins. The hard hitting Brandon Meriweather can not seem to stay healthy for more than a game, which also hurts the defense drastically. DeAngelo Hall, the ten year veteran, needs to take a leap forward himself to make it easier on the rookie defensivebacks.
   Let us not forget how the 2012 season  began for the 'Skins with their 3-6 record. There is no time for panic. In RGIII we trust!

Chris Cooley The Broadcaster

   Chris Cooley is back with the Redskins, but not as a tight end. After spending his entire nine-year career in Washington, Cooley has decided to hang up his cleats and retire from the NFL. So how exactly is he still with the organization if he is retiring?

   Cooley, a fan favorite, will be joining the Redskins' radio broadcasting team as an analyst—something he had hoped to add to his legacy. "This is a great deal for me. I really want this job, and I want to do it for a long time," Cooley said during an interview with the Washington Post.

Photo: zimbio.com

   He signed a multi-year deal with the team's flagship station on Tuesday. There will be a segment, called "Cooley's Corner," where he will provide analysis for the listeners after every quarter of play. As part of the deal, he will also appear on television and Internet shows.

   Despite everything, there is still a small possibility of him returning as a player. "That door will be open a crack," Cooley told the Washington Post. "But do I plan to play? No. I'm not officially retiring, mostly because I'm a procrastinator. But my plans are to be done. I don't plan to play."

   Assuming he does not pull a Brett Favre about this, Cooley will retire a 31-year-old tight end with two Pro Bowl appearances. Cooley finishes with 429 catches for 4,711 yards and 33 touchdowns. The receiving yards total is a coincidental number— his jersey number was 47 and his birthday is on July 11. Put the two together and voilà. Maybe these digits would serve him well as lottery picks.

   Regardless of his plans, the fans embrace him for being a consistent player when the team was struggling. With his charitable work, artistic skills, and sense of humor, it's hard to dislike Captain Chaos.

RGIII Marries College Sweetheart

 

Photo: wusa9.com

  Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III excels at nearly everything he does; academics, college and pro football, public speaking, and now recovering from injury. It must be the Superman socks he wears.

   Last week, he added marriage to that list of achievements. He and longtime girlfriend Rebecca Liddicoat tied the knot near her hometown in Colorado.

   Naturally, in attendance were their families and friends, as well as their beloved NFL family. This included owner Dan Snyder, GM Bruce Allen, coach Shanahan, and some of his teammates. It was quite the affair. In fact, at one point during the celebration, Griffin let every guest in attendance know that they are now family.

   The newlyweds are starting their life together as husband and wife by moving into a recently purchased five-bedroom home in Loudoun County, Va. Best wishes to the happy couple!

Josh Morgan Day

Photo: Washington Redskins Facebook

   Washington Redskins receiver Josh Morgan has accomplished something that most NFL players will not—getting a day named after them. Morgan was honored in ceremonial fashion for not only his commitment and play on-the-field, but his actions off-the-field as well. The Washington, D.C. City Council voted in favor to recognize Thursday, June 20, 2013, as "Josh Morgan Day" in the Nation's Capital.
   "I would like to thank all of my family, friends, and everybody that is close to me for just raising me to be the type of man that I am today," said the humble Morgan through Redskins.com. "Just always supporting, raising me the right way, teaching me the right things."
   Morgan has been a lifelong Redskins fan as he grew up in Southeast D.C. near RFK Stadium. His career began by getting drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 draft by the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for four seasons. During the 2012 free agency period, Washington was quick to sign the hometown player.
   Last season, Morgan battled through hand and foot injuries, yet still played all 16 games. He ended the year with 48 receptions for 510 yards and two touchdowns. After having surgery, he looks to bounce back and put up stronger numbers in 2013. A healthy Pierre Garcon and Santana Moss should also aid Morgan into what is hopefully a breakout year.