Redskins add yet another reserve for linebacking competition

The redskins have announced that they came to terms on a deal with free agent middle linebacker Robert Thomas. 

Thomas was not re-signed by the Raiders, for whom he played for the last three seasons.  He only played in two games last year for the Raiders who were one of the worst teams in the league.  Want to know why he didn't play much?  Want to know why the Raiders of all teams didn't want him back?  He is a 3rd-stringer at best, and he had a knee injury that kept him out of 14 games last year.  Since when did we start signing Raiders rejects?

Thomas was also let go by the Rams in 2004.  The Rams drafted Thomas in the First-Round (31st overall) in 2002, he played 2 seasons, was ineffective, and was released.  He spent the 2005 campaign with the Green Bay Packers.

For his career, Thomas has started 50-of-84 games and logged 304 tackles (245 solo), two sacks and one interception.

The only good thing he really has to offer is 7 years of experience, and youth I guess.  We have 3 linebackers competing for the final starting spot alongside London Fletcher and Rocky Mcintosh.  Right now that spot is between H.B. Blades (who made a strong impression on the coaches last year), Alfred Fincher, and Thomas.  While I have lots of faith in both Fincher and Blades, I don't believe either is a starter.  They provide very good depth, but we need to find a long-term solution as a starter.  The only other linebacker on the roster is Tyson Smith.  Although the possibility of Chris Wilson converting is a possibility.

I believe we are going to make Linebacker a top priority in the Draft.  Offensive line is our most serious need of course, but if its not worth it to use a first-rounder on one at the time of our pick, lets get a backer.

Top Linebackers available in the draft:

Aaron Curry/Wake Forest

The conference defensive player of the year.  Also earned all-conference and all-region honors.  Registered 123 tackles during his senior year.  Saw action as a tight end.  Selected to the North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl as a tight end.  Runs a 4.6 40-yard dash.  Coached by Mike Earwood at E.E. Smith. Personal: A sociology major .  Plans to attend law school after graduation (smart guy huh?).  Chose Wake Forest because of its great academics. Considered the best overall defensive player, a team-changer if you will.  He could be the next Ray Lewis (think Tom Brady of Defense).  He won't be there when we pick, but we can dream.

Brian Orakpo/Texas

Former prep basketball star who developed into one of the nation's premier defensive players.  Played in 47 career games, starting 21.  Won the Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defensive player), Lombardi Award (nation's top lineman), and Hendricks Award (nation's top defensive end) and was a finalist for the Lott Trophy (defensive IMPACT player of the year) in 2008.  A unanimous first-team All-American,  the consensus Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year,  a unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection, and a 2008 preseason Playboy All-American.  One of the strongest members of the Longhorn team who was named the nation's top workout warrior by ESPN because he bench presses 515 lbs, squats 600 lbs. and power cleans 380 lbs.  He is a total animal, a serious beast, a freaky creature,  a crazy monster!!!!  He can play end or linebacker, and we need help at both.  Lets hope he drops.

Aaron Maybin/Penn State

Born and raise in Ellicot City, MD.  Maybin is listed as a OLB on some boards, and a DE on others.  He doesn't have the crazy medals and trophys like Orakpo and Curry, but he is a overall great player.  He is only a sophmore, so his lack of experience has come in to play a bit.  He does his best work coming off the edge. He has the quickest first step of any defensive end in the country. Maybin isn't only a speed rusher though. He has excellent technique, and does a good job of using his hands to keep blockers from cutting his feet out from under him. Maybin took full advantage of his starting role this season, having tallied 49 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and even breaking up 3 passes in coverage. Maybin will be watched closely by NFL GMs because he has the potential to develop into a dominant and disruptive force. Maybin will likely be one of the top defensive end taken this spring, but NFL teams will likely have to wait for him to develop. He can help a team as a third down pass rush specialist in the beginning, but if he reaches his potential he could be a future NFL sacks leader.

Brian Cushing/USC

Lots of draftboards have Cushing going to the Redskins.  Cushing is on the 2007 preseason Phil Steele's All-America team and on the 2007 Bednarik Award and Lott Trophy watch lists.  As seen on the nationally televised coverage of the Thanksgiving Day game, Cushing skillfully returned a failed onside kick attempted by Notre Dame at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a late fourth-quarter touchdown in the 2006 season.  So far has recorded 129 Tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 Sacks, 11 passes defended, 4 Forced Fumbles and 3 Fumbles Recovered.  On January 1, 2007, Cushing was named the Defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl Game, after recording 2½ sacks and forcing a third-quarter fumble that changed the momentum of the game.  

Others include Cushings counterparts on one of the best set of linebackers on one team i've ever seen.

Clay Mathews/USC

Ray Maualuga/USC

James Laurinaitis/Ohio State

Everette Brown/Florida State

So there is some serious depth this year, it might be time to use our only top pick on one to solidify a great defense.  At least half of our picks this year (2) need to start right away.  Lets see what happens.