Big moves didn’t work in 2010
The subtle moves — or those greeted with less fanfare — filled out the roster. A swap of draft picks yielded a starting defensive end, a pint-sized undrafted free agent became an electric returner and an oft-injured runner provided power.
So the Redskins deserve credit for finding end Adam Carriker, returner Brandon Banks and running back Ryan Torain. And for developing receiver Anthony Armstrong.
But how did the Redskins fare on some of their splashier moves?
The Donovan McNabb deal
At the time » Most — but definitely not all — saw this as good move because the Redskins needed a quarterback — Mike Shanahan did not like Jason Campbell from his days at Auburn, and nothing had changed his mind — and McNabb was a six-time Pro Bowl selection.
In hindsight » A steal for Philadelphia. The Redskins surrendered two picks to a division rival, and McNabb will either be traded or released this offseason. They might recoup a fourth-round pick, but it was a failed experiment. The Redskins also seem turned off by traits McNabb has always shown, including poor mechanics as a passer. They were wrong to think they could change what a terrific staff could not.
Trading for Jammal Brown
At the time » They needed a right tackle, and Brown was a former Pro Bowl left tackle. It was a risky move considering Brown did not play last season because of hip issues.
In hindsight » Brown was not in football shape for a long time, and his hip bothered him for the first eight weeks of the season, limiting his mobility. That eventually improved. He’s not a long-term solution, though he could start next season, and for that the Redskins surrendered a third-round pick (though they did get a sixth-rounder in that deal for the upcoming draft). Still, it’s tough to rebuild with such moves.
Drafting Trent Williams
At the time » Williams’ athleticism wowed the Redskins, and they made him the fourth overall pick over Russell Okung, also a left tackle. The word at the time: Okung was steadier, but Williams’ ceiling was higher.
In hindsight » Okung was limited by injuries much of the season. Williams was a starter from Day 1, and his athleticism was evident, allowing him to escape bad situations. Williams still must prove he can study at a pro level, but it’s tough to knock this pick.
Switching to a 3-4 defense
At the time » The Redskins did not have the personnel to make such a move, and it was going to be hard to find enough right pieces to make it work in the short term. It also was going to be a problem with defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth.
In hindsight » It was a bad move — for this season. But if the Redskins find a top nose tackle and another pass-rushing outside linebacker, then the defense will improve instantly. And it’s not as if the Redskins were winning playoff games with their top-10 4-3 defense. It wasn’t the defense’s fault, but it also wasn’t an elite unit. It will take another year or two to complete the transition.
