Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 25, 1993 TAG: 9304250181
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JIM DUCIBELLA LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: ASHBURN LENGTH: Medium
Two years ago, when defensive tackle seemed a strength, they used their No. 1 pick on Bobby Wilson, who played the position at Michigan State.
Last year, they added Desmond Howard to a receiving corps they'd always proclaimed to be the league's best.
In the 1993 draft that begins at noon today, the Redskins own nine picks in all, including the 17th of the first round. That would seem a perfectly acceptable position from which to help fill their biggest weakness.
Cornerback.
They worked out Notre Dame's Tom Carter. They were impressed. But so was everyone else and it's doubtful he'll be around by pick 17.
They worked out UCLA's Carlton Gray, who has the right blend of size, speed and brains to make defensive coordinator Emmitt Thomas happy.
"We still have a high priority on good character," general manager Charley Casserly said last week.
That would seem to bode well for Gray, who carries a 3.4 grade-point average (out of 4) and twice has been Academic All-Pac-10. He has a reputation as a goal-oriented, tireless worker who could start immediately.
Casserly said there's no guarantee he will select either player. Or that he will even take a cornerback in the first round.
"We will take talent over need," Casserly said. "There's depth at corner. There will be a lot of corners taken in this draft. There are a lot of corners who will make it. I think you can get one in any round.
"We're not going to pick for any position. One, you want to get first-round value in the first round and we feel we did that the last two years. If you focus on a particular need, you may upgrade a player higher than he should be upgraded."
Maybe Casserly protests too much. Maybe the Redskins really will finally address what most experts consider a crying need in their secondary.
And maybe they already are.
Word from Kansas City is that Washington is one of three teams - the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles are the others - still trying to make a trade for 31-year-old Chiefs' cornerback Kevin Ross.
The Chiefs, who don't pick until the third round, are asking for a second-round pick. The Redskins are offering a fourth for Ross, a two-time Pro Bowl choice known for his one-on-one coverage ability.
And Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson has added another twist. He's offering running back Barry Word, an ex-Virginia star with a bruising, straight-ahead style, and Ross for Washington's No. 1 pick.
So far, Casserly isn't interested in either deal. But depending on how the first 16 picks shake out today, he may be.
Running back is another area the Redskins want to upgrade. A week ago, it seemed certain they'd sign free agent Marcus Allen from the Raiders. Now, the Chiefs are interested, viewing him as the ideal pass-catching back to join Joe Montana in their 49ers-style offense.
Casserly said he wanted a decision on the Allen deal by today. If he drafts a back, we'll know he wasn't bluffing.
If they decide to rely on the draft for a back, Notre Dame's Jerome Bettis would be the answer to their short-yardage problems last season.
But Bettis won't be around for pick 17. Most figure he'll be gone by the 10th selection. Would they trade to move up?
"The price to move up now is probably a two, at least if you're talking about moving into the top 10," Casserly said. "If we feel players are going to be gone that we want, then we trade up. If we feel there's an excess available at that position, then we trade down. We're not hung up on moving up."
According to coach Richie Petitbon, the Redskins are solid at offensive line, wide receiver, quarterback and defensive line, despite losing free agents Fred Stokes and Jumpy Geathers.
Linebacker is a problem. Contract scraps are going on with Wilber Marshall and Andre Collins. They appear close to offering free agent Johnny Holland a contract, which would help, but still leaves holes at that spot.
Could Clemson's Wayne Simmons still be there at No. 17?
Petitbon shrugged.
"It's just like Christmas," Petitbon said, "but there's no Santa Claus. You hope for certain things, but whatever comes down, comes down."
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB