== 1998 Redskins Draft ==

4/19
Draft profiles
CN: WP

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The Washington Redskins finished the NFL draft yesterday with five more selections that fill out their depth chart at a variety of positions, taking a couple of players with a chance to play quickly and a couple of the usual late-round longshots.
CN: WP / CN: SN

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When Plan A didn't work during the weekend's NFL draft, the Washington Redskins were more than happy to go with Plan B.

Lacking a first round pick, Washington tried in vain Saturday to trade up to the end of the first round where they could take an offensive tackle.

``We knew that, No. 1, we were going to try to move up and get an offensive tackle,'' general manager Charley Casserly said. ``(Then, No. 2) we were going to take as many good football players as we can.''

When it was over Sunday, Washington's seven selections included just one offensive lineman, Purdue's Mark Fischer taken in the fifth round Sunday.

Fischer played tackle and guard for the Boilermakers, but will be moved to center by the Redskins. Last year, Washington selected guard Brad Badger in the fifth round and he ended up starting the season-opener because of injuries.

Fischer is more of a project pick and will provide insurance at center where last year's starter Jeff Uhlenhake underwent knee surgery in January.

``We didn't get the tackle (in the draft),'' Casserly said. ``We have to go through other avenues and keep working on that.'' After taking potential big-play offensive players Saturday - Oklahoma tight end Stephen Alexander in the second round and UCLA running back Skip Hicks in the third round - the Redskins went defensive Sunday.

Washington went local for its fourth round pick, taking University of Richmond outside linebacker Shawn Barber. The Division I-AA player won the Redskins coaching staff over at the Senior Bowl in January.

Redskins linebacker coach Dale Lindsey, who coached Barber for a week during the Senior Bowl, says he'll make an immediate impact on special teams and could become a third-down role player against the pass.

Barber was picked 113th overall after the Redskins traded down five spots with the Oakland Raiders. Washington acquired Oakland's first pick in the seventh round in the swap.

Washington used that pick to take UTEP cornerback David Terrell, who sat out his senior season because of academic problems.

The Redskins final pick was Syracuse inside linebacker Antwaune Ponds.

Rated by many publications as the fifth best inside linebacker available, Ponds was a potential second-round pick before his senior season. A buzz regarding Ponds attitude hurt his draft stock

``You have to take this guy in the seventh round,'' Casserly said.

At least three of Washington's picks could help the passing attack led by quarterback Gus Frerotte and receiver Michael Westbrook.

Alexander, flown in to meet the media Sunday at Redskins Park, is a tight end who might be in the mold that Jay Novacek played for the Cowboys when coach Norv Turner was the offensive coordinator there. ``Anytime you mention Norv Tuner, Jay Novacek comes to mind,'' Alexander said.

Like Alexander, the Redskins were impressed with Hicks ability to catch the football and make something happen.

Hicks scored a school-record 55 career touchdowns at UCLA. He finished his senior season with 1,282 yards rushing and 26 touchdowns.

Hicks won't be the only Redskins rookie at the teams mini-camp next week who is familiar with the end zone. Washington's fifth round pick, receiver Pat Palmer, scored 15 career touchdowns for Northwestern (LA) State.

Palmer caught 99 passes for a 23.5 average in college and was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 1996.

The seven players drafted by the Redskins follow a 1997 draft class that saw all eight players make the team.

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Uneventful second day
CN: Yahoo

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Comparing our draft with our NFC East opponents:

Arizona: Skins: Cows: Giants: Eagles:

A B B C+ C

The Redskins did not trade up as Carolina turned down overtures in the Sean Gilbert deal. Washington will reap the benefits of that deal in the next two years. The 'Skins did add two talented players who slipped on draft boards on day one -- tight end Stephen Alexander and running back Skip Hicks. It was obvious that the "best player available" theory was put to good use. Addressing offensive line needs came later, Washington grabbed G Mark Fischer of Purdue.

NFC: CN: NFL
AFC: (Ravens receive a C+) CN: NFL

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4/18
After watching yesterday's NFL draft from the sidelines for 6 1/2 hours, the Washington Redskins played the draft board just as they said they would and selected tight end Stephen Alexander, a 6-foot-4 speedster from the University of Oklahoma.
CN: WP

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CC playing the board with no first rounder
CN: WP