Washington Redskins (5-11)

2006 season: 5-11
Head Coach: Joe Gibbs
Offensive Coordinator: Al Saunders
Defensive Coordinator: Gregg Williams
Pro-Bowl: Chris Samuels (OT) and Sean Taylor (FS)

Offense

The Redskins rushing game actually was very good despite Clinton Portis only starting 7 games. Ladell Betts has been a backup his entire career, but this year being forced into the starting roll he gained 1,154 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, he also added 53 receptions, 445 yards and another touchdown. This prompted Washington to immediately offer him a contract extension(which he accepted). Now their passing game was their weak point. Mark Brunell threw for 1,789 yards, 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, but he was benched after starting 9 games in favor for Jason Campbell. Campbell had a pretty decent season throwing for 1,297 yards, 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Santana Moss had a down season, he only caught 55 balls for 790 yards and 6 touchdowns. I don't really feel that his down season was his fault, he missed 2 games due to injury and he just wasn't thrown the ball enough. Chirs Cooley had a very similar season to Santana's, 57 receptions, 734 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Defense

Washington's defense was uncharacteristically awful. They ranked 2nd to last in the NFL allowing 356 yards a game and nearly 24 points per game. But even though they were bad, they did have some bright spots, such as Sean Taylor. Taylor had another good season, he tallied 111 tackles, 1 interception and 6 passes defended. Also having a good season was Lemar Marshall, he had 104 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In his sophomore season, Carlos Rodgers racked up 79 tackles, 1 interceptions and 16 passes defended. The Redskins' main problem was sacking the quarterback. The problem is, they couldn't. They had 19 total sacks, obviously that has to improve next season, so I 100% sure they will draft a defensive linemen with their 6th overall pick.

Special Teams

Washington needed 3 kickers this season. They weren't happy with Josh Hall, although he only missed 2 field goals, others that kicked for the Skins' were Nick Novak(who made 50%) and Shaun Suisham(he made 82%). Derrick Frost had his best season of his short career. He averaged 42.9 per punt and had 7 touchbacks. The return game was pretty good, Rock Cartwright got a chance to start and shined. He got 1,541 yards and 1 touchdown. Antwan Randell El didn't do to much offensively and he was just average on punt returns. He did have 1 touchdown but he only averaged 8.8 per return and a total of 342 yards.

Draft Notes

Washington holds the 6th pick this year and they will surely be looking to upgrade their defensive line. I expect them to take either DT Alan Branch(MICH), DE Gaines Adams(CLEM) or Jamaal Anderson. It all depends on who is there. Alan Branch is probably their best bet, although Anderson's speed is definitely alluring. But Branch is by far the best defensive tackle in the draft.

Other positions that need to be addressed.

1.Defensive Tackle
2.Defensive End
3.Cornerback
4.Offensive line

DT:

Cornelius Griffin is great inside, but other than him there is really no one. With Alan Branch they could potentially have one of the top interior lines in the NFC. If they don't take Branch with their first pick, they would have to wait to address this need till the the 3rd round. Since last time I updated defensive tackles have rising up the mock draft charts so they best player to look at in the third round would be someone like David Patterson(OSU) or Keith Jackson(ARK).

DE:

Although Andre Carter had a nice season, he only got 6 sacks. Those 6 sacks led the team, so they really need someone that can put pressure on the QB. Most like 3rd or 4th round pick for this position. Some possibilities are Mkristo Bruce(WSU), Chase Pittman(LSU) and C.J. Ah You(OU).

CB:

Sure, Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers are good, but other than those two they have no one. Some people that would help fill out the depth chart are Ramzee Robinson(BAMA), Reggie Lewis(FLA), Bo Smith(WEBER ST) and William Gay(LOU).

OL:

They have very good starters, but they backups are very bleak, so what happens if there are injuries. Some guys to look at are Gabe Hall(TEX T), Brian Daniels(USM) and Darnell Stapelton(RUTG).

I think Washington will be right in the thick of the playoff run, they are probably around a 8 to 9 win team just because of the quarterback situation, but their running game is good and their defense should bounce back to how it usually plays.

Note: The Washington Redskins do not have a 2nd, 3rd or 4th round pick.