4/5/10
2010 NFL Draft E-mails – Donovan McNabb Trade
What do you think of the Donovan McNabb trade? Who won?
–> The Redskins won, and the Eagles screwed up. For more on the Donovan McNabb trade, click the link.
It’s also worth noting some other winners and losers:
Winners: Browns and Bills. With Jimmy Clausen no longer an option at No. 4, it opens the door for the Browns to take Clausen. The Bills could easily leapfrog Cleveland to draft Clausen, or simply wait if they believe Mike Holmgren was telling the truth when he said “I wish I liked [Clausen] more.”
Losers: Cardinals. What is Arizona going to do at quarterback? Roll the dice with Matt Leinart and the Nick Lachey Hot Tub Offense? Go with Derek Anderson, who sadly might be the better option? The Cardinals had a chance to trade for McNabb, but they are now no longer the favorite to win the NFC West.
Walt, I don’t see why this is a horrible trade for the Eagles. If the Redskins gave the best offer, then shouldn’t you take it? They only play twice a year…
–> They only play twice a year, yes. But the Eagles are trying to get into the playoffs. Before this deal, they had only two serious NFC East contenders to deal with in the Giants and Cowboys. Now, they’ll have to worry about the Redskins as well. This trade just made the NFC East the toughest division in football. The last-place team could easily finish 8-8 or 9-7.
What do the Redskins at No. 4 do if the Lions take Okung? An OT like Bulaga or Campbell or BPA and take Berry?
–> Okung is the obvious pick if he makes it past the Lions. If not, the Redskins will still consider a left tackle. Bryan Bulaga is the superior player, but Trent Williams is the better fit for Mike Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme. It could be either guy.
Eric Berry is also an option. The No. 4 pick is too high for a safety, but Bruce Allen may not think so. LaRon Landry blows coverages like it’s no one’s business. I don’t think Berry would be the pick, but it’s certainly a possibility.
If the Lions take Okung, either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy will be available, and you can’t rule them out. We saw the Chiefs draft Tyson Jackson with Glenn Dorsey’s contract on the books, and in an uncapped year, Daniel Snyder will have no problem paying a premier talent like Suh or McCoy to play defensive end in the team’s new 3-4.
Believe it or not, but Jimmy Clausen is still an option at No. 4 – just not to the Redskins. If the Browns, Bills or even 49ers are desperate enough to land Clausen, they could move up to Washington’s spot, much like the Jets did last year with Cleveland’s No. 5 choice.
With a gun to my head, I’d say Trent Williams is the pick if Okung isn’t available. He’s a great fit for the scheme, he plugs the team’s biggest hole and he’ll provide McNabb with some much-needed protection.
Disagree with your thoughts Walt. The Redskins have holes all over their roster, no depth anywhere. Okung at #4 would help, but the rest of the offensive line is in shambles. McNabb isn’t exactly known for his health, unless they can make some other major upgrades I doubt he lasts through the season. This offense was absolutely stagnant last year.
–> With Donovan McNabb on the roster, the Redskins will be able to trade Jason Campbell for what could be a third-round pick. With their third- and fourth-rounders, they can add more help to the offensive line – perhaps draft Kyle Calloway or Jason Fox in Round 3, and a running back in Round 4. With Okung and Calloway/Fox as bookend tackles, suddenly Washington’s offensive line isn’t so bad.
I think you’re underestimating what a franchise quarterback can do for a team. McNabb is an enormous upgrade over Campbell. Though he chokes in the clutch and throws teammates under the bus, McNabb is still the No. 10-12 best quarterback in the NFL right now. He’ll have Santana Moss, Chris Cooley, Fred Davis and Clinton Portis at his disposal. And don’t forget about the defense.
The Redskins are undoubtedly a playoff contender now. Mike Shanahan is a brilliant offensive mind and will get the most out of McNabb.
Is it possible now that Jimmy Clausen could make it down to the Bills at 9?
–> It’s definitely possible. The only hurdle is Cleveland. The Browns are paying $7 million to Jake Delhomme this year, but they can cut him after this season. New regimes mean new quarterbacks, and Clausen could sit for a year (or a week) behind Delhomme.
I’m aware that Holmgren said “I wish I liked [Clausen] better.” But that sounds like a smokescreen. Why would Holmgren show his hand like that? He’s either very cunning or very stupid.
If, however, the Browns eschew Clausen, he’ll fall right into Buffalo’s lap. There is no reason for the Bills to pass on Clausen if this scenario unfolds. General manager Buddy Nix said he’s looking for a strong-armed quarterback to battle the Orchard Park winds. Clausen certainly fits that description.
2011 NFL Draft Mailbag Archive:
2011 NFL Draft Mailbag Home
Post-Round 1 E-mail - April 29
Hate Mail Volume 7 - April 10
Crackhead Mail Volume 2 - April 10
Random AFC Questions and Comments Volume 5 - April 10
Random NFC Questions and Comments Volume 5 - April 10
Hate Mail Volume 6 - April 3
Crackhead Mail - April 3
Trade and Prospect Speculation - April 3
Hate Mail Volume 5 - March 28
Cam Newton Mailbag - March 28
Random AFC Questions and Comments Volume 4 - March 28
Random NFC Questions and Comments Volume 4 - March 28
Hate Mail Volume 4 - March 13
Random AFC Questions and Comments Volume 3 - March 13
Random NFC Questions and Comments Volume 3 - March 13
Random Questions and Comments - March 7
Hate Mail Volume 3 - March 7
Combine Questions and Comments - March 7
Combine Hate Mail - March 7
Hate Mail Volume 2 - Feb. 22
Random AFC Questions and Comments Volume 2 - Feb. 22
Random NFC Questions and Comments Volume 2 - Feb. 22
Quarterbacks - Feb. 15
Hate Mail - Feb. 15
Random AFC Questions and Comments - Feb. 15
Random NFC Questions and Comments - Feb. 15
NFL Picks - Dec. 13
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
