Offensive lineman Jason Fabini, signed by the Redskins last March after being cut by the Jets and Cowboys during the previous 13 months, was the only Washington player among the top 25 in performance-based pay for 2007. On the list released by the league today, Fabini, who was paid $475,000 last year, was awarded $230,042 after playing all but a few snaps at right guard after longtime starter Randy Thomas tore a tricep in Week 2 at Philadelphia. The money comes out of a leaguewide pool, not straight from the Redskins.

Two national television appearances highlight the Redskins' five-game preseason schedule, portions of which were released today by the league.

The schedule:

Monday, Aug. 3: vs. Indianapolis (Canton, Ohio), 8 p.m., NBC

Aug. 7-10: vs. Buffalo, time TBA, Ch. 9

Aug. 14-17: at New York Jets

Aug. 21-24: at Carolina

Thursday, Aug. 28: vs. Jacksonville, 7 p.m., NBC

The dates for the middle three games will be finalized later this spring. The Redskins generally play those games on Friday or Saturday nights.

The game that really sticks out is the Jacksonville contest and the return of former defensive boss/jilted head coach candidate Gregg Williams.

The Redskins don't play Baltimore in the preseason in part because they have a regular season date in Baltimore.

Washington's regular season opener is Thursday, Sept. 4 at the New York Giants.

- Ryan O'Halloran

The entire Redskins team is one of five finalists for the Halas Award given each year by the Pro Football Writers of America for courage and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. The Redskins were recognized for their 4-1 run to the playoffs after the shooting death of Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor in November.

The other nominees for the Halas are Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis and receiver Plaxico Burress and quarterback Eli Manning of the New York Giants.

In my 15 years in the PFWA, including 12 on the board, six on the executive board and two as President, I can't recall an entire team being nominated before this. I believe the award will go either to the Redskins or to Everett, who's walking again after being paralyzed in last season's opener. Ironically, Taylor and Everett were teammates at the University of Miami.

The Redskins waited until nearly 7 p.m. tonight to send out a press release announcing the signing of former Houston Texans receiver/return man Jerome Mathis.

There's a reason for this: Twice in the last five months, Mathis has had run-ins with the law. That, naturally, wasn't included in the release but a quick Google news search revealed plenty of information. (nor is it included in the sunnier story that appears on Redskins.com)

(This signing doesn't make sense from a football standpoint, either. The Redskins are set in the return game with Rock Cartwright and Antwaan Randle El and since Mathis is 5-foot-11, he doesn't address the team's desire to acquire a receiver with size. Plus he has injury issues. He was on the physically unable to perform last for 11 games in 2006 with a foot injury and played in only two games. Last year, he played in only three games before a lower leg injury landed him on IR.)

Now, the police blotter part of Mathis' story.

*Early December: Mathis was cited after four pit bulls escaped from his home in suburban Houston. According to the Houston Chronicle, Matthis allowed the dogs to remain free and also owned unvaccinated animals. One woman said she was chased into her apartment by the dogs and a couple said they jumped onto a parked car to avoid the dogs. A police report said one adult dog and three puppies were captured. The citation carried a $600 fine.

*Mid February: Mathis was jailed on a charge of assault and family violence. He was charged with assaulting his pregnant common-law wife, Erica Smith. According to the Chronicle, police went to the couple's home after someone called 911 and hung up. Smith told deputies that Mathis started choking her after pushing her onto a bed. Deputies reported a red mark below her jaw line. Mathis was released on $3,000 bail.

*March 20: Assault charges against Mathis were dropped. The Chronicle story said Smith has relocated to another state and asked officials to drop the charges. While at court, Mathis paid his fine for the dog incident.

(Thanks to the Houston Chronicle for the thorough reporting on Mathis)

Hard as it might be to believe, just four months from today the Redskins will be preparing for their preseason home opener under rookie coach Jim Zorn.

Here are some quick thoughts on Washington's preseason now that the summer schedule has been finalized:

Am I the only one who has noticed that this is the third straight August in which the Redskins meet the dethroned champion (New England, 2006; Pittsburgh, 2007 and Indianapolis, 2008)? That string will end this year because division rivals never meet in preseason, so there won't be an August 2009 game against the Giants.

Last year's preseason schedule included three teams that would make the AFC playoffs (Tennessee, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville) plus one that collapsed after winning a division title and losing its playoff opener at home in 2006 (Baltimore). Does that bode well for Buffalo, Jacksonville and the New York Jets this year but not for the defending AFC South champion Colts, who lost their playoff opener at home in 2007?

Want to bet that former coach Joe Gibbs will be in Dan Snyder's box when Washington visits Carolina, not far from the Hall of Famer's NASCAR operation? And it's weird that Zorn's first home game will be against the Bills, the team that gave Gibbs his last regular-season loss in the first game after the shooting death of star safety Sean Taylor.

And how much tension will there be when the Redskins finish preseason against deposed assistant head coach Gregg Williams and the Jaguars? Do you think the Genius and the owner will shake hands or glare at each other? I'm going with the glare.

After signing former Hampton University receiver Jerome Mathis as their first free agent of the offseason on April 4, the Redskins will entertain Hampton native Jerod Mayo on a pre-draft visit tomorrow.

Mayo, a three-year starting linebacker at Tennessee, led the nation's eighth-ranked defense and the SEC with 140 tackles as a junior in 2007 while making the all-conference team. The Hampton native, who ran 40 yards in just 4.52 seconds at February's scouting combine, has already earned his degree in sports management and has been working out with former Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes to get ready for the April 26 NFL draft.

The Redskins, who could use some young linebackers to groom behind 30-something starters London Fletcher and Marcus Washington, are one of 11 teams that Mayo is visiting.

The complete NFL regular season schedule will be released tomorrow during a two-hour show on NFL Network at 2 p.m.

The Redskins already know they'll be opening the season with a Thursday night game at the New York Giants.

The run down of opponents:

Home: NY Giants, Dallas, Philadelphia, Arizona, St. Louis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New Orleans.

Away: NY Giants (Week 1), Dallas, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Detroit, Baltimore, Cincinnati.

The NFL just announced its 2008 schedule, and the Redskins have filled in the blanks on their slate:

- Off week comes in Week 10
- Three national TV games (all at night): at Giants, vs. Pittsburgh, vs. Dallas
- On the West coast for the finale (at San Francisco)
- Four games at 4:15 p.m.

2008 Washington Redskins schedule:

Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 4 at N.Y. Giants, 7 p.m.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 14 vs. New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 21 vs Arizona, 1 p.m.
Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 28 at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 4 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 12 vs. St. Louis, 1 p.m.
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 19 vs. Cleveland, 4:15 p.m.
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 26 at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Week 9: Monday, Nov. 3 vs. Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.
Week 10: Off
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 16 vs. Dallas, 8 p.m.
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 24 at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.
Week 13: Sunday, Nov. 30 vs. N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 7 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 15 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 21 vs. Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 28 at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.

Although I'm here in Chicago for the USA Media Summit/Dog-and-Pony Show, we're on a break, which allowed me to glance at the Redskins schedule.

A few thoughts:

1. The Redskins got no favors from the NFL. They start on the road. They finish on the road. But in what can be described as a quirk, the Redskins play their first three division games on the road. They're at the Giants in Week 1, Dallas in Week 4 and Philadelphia in Week 5. That puts a premium on winning the home games against New Orleans and Arizona in Weeks 2-3. If the Redskins can enter mid-October at 3-2 or 2-3, they should consider themselves fortunate.

2. The bye week comes at a good spot. The Redskins will play nine games before their week off and will have a full two weeks to gear up for the Cowboys Sunday-night game. The players might argue for an earlier bye since they'll have a training camp of nearly seven weeks (or so we've heard).

3. The Redskins aren't nearly the national television darlings that a team like Cleveland is. The Redskins will play prime-time games in Weeks 1 (at Giants), 9 (Pittsburgh, a Monday nighter so I'm leaving three days ahead of time) and 11 (Dallas). Cleveland didn't even make the playoffs and the Browns have five night games.

4. The NFL still can't get Week 17 right. A cross country trip to San Francisco? That's stupid. The final game should be against a division opponent. Period.

5. Toughest stretch: Weeks 4-5 (at Dallas, at Philly). Easiest stretch: Weeks 2-3 (New Orleans, Arizona).

- Ryan O'Halloran

Before the Caps and Flyers hit the ice for Game 3, here are my quick thoughts on the Redskins' schedule.

1. Having the earliest training camp opening and a late bye (week 10) spells trouble for a team with 11 starters in their 30s.

2. The first part of the home schedule isn't exactly fan-friendly. The biggest draw is New Orleans (Reggie Bush, Drew Brees and Deuce McAllister). No one will get very excited about the visits by the Cardinals, Saints or the AFC North favorite Browns.

3. The season could be already lost by the time Jim Zorn finally makes his return to Seattle in Week 12.

- David Elfin

The Redskins have $6 million of salary cap room. Even if they use all nine of their choices in this weekend's draft, they'll still have plenty of money to fit another veteran or two under the cap.

While Chad Johnson wants to join buddy Clinton Portis in D.C. and the Redskins could use the talented but volatile receiver, the Bengals insist that they won't trade him because they won't take the $8 million cap hit and because they don't like being bossed around by a player.

So what can Dan Snyder and Vinny Cerrato do with these millions of cap room? How about trading for Kansas City's Jared Allen? The Chiefs have let it be known that they're willing to part with the Pro Bowl defensive end for the right price, a factor that has rarely bothered Snyder.

Allen just turned 26. He led the league with 15.5 sacks in 2007 even though he was suspended for the first two games and even though the Chiefs were usually behind and their opponents dropped back just 499 times compared to 618 by Kansas City quarterbacks. Allen's 43 sacks during his four seasons were topped only by the 46 recorded by Miami's Jason Taylor.

Yes, Allen was suspended following a pair of DUI arrests in 2006, but his NFL sentence was halved upon appeal and he has apparently been clean since. The Redskins definitely need a pass-rushing end with Phillip Daniels having turned 35. Trading for Allen would secure them a proven one with plenty of years left rather than gambling that a college sud won't be a pro dud.

And consider this: Washington left tackle Chris Samuels has been chosen for three straight Pro Bowls because he rarely gives up sacks. After missing the entire 2007 preseason with a sprained knee, Samuels stoned Taylor in the opener. However, Allen had three sacks, six pressures and two forced fumbles in his lone game against Samuels and the Redskins in 2005. That performance alone should make Snyder and Cerrato seriously consider making a deal for Allen.

A highly-placed Redskins source denied an ESPN report that the team had offered its first-rounder and one of its two third-rounders to Cincinnati for disgruntled Bengals receiver Chad Johnson. The source said the Redskins inquired about Johnson, but never made a firm offer because the Bengals said they wouldn't trade him.

Meanwhile, I blogged yesterday about the Redskins needing to enhance their pass rush and the Chiefs shopping NFL sacks leader Jared Allen. But today, a Redskins source said that the team isn't interested in the 26-year-old defensive end because he could face a 1-year suspension if he commits a third DUI. Allen was suspended for the first two games of 2007 following two DUIs but still led the league with 15.5 sacks.

-- David Elfin

Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis has retracted his earlier denial of the ESPN report that Washington had offered two draft choices for disgruntled receiver Chad Johnson.

Lewis told ESPN that the Bengals rejected the Redskins' offer of their first-round pick, 21st overall, and a conditional third-rounder in 2009 for Johnson, who has threatened to hold out all year. The 2009 selection could wind up as high as a first-rounder depending on how well Johnson played.

Upon hearing that Lewis, Washington's defensive coordinator in 2002, had spilled the beans, the highly-placed Redskins source changed his denial and also confirmed ESPN's report.

- David Elfin

A couple of things that stood out from the Redskins predraft press conference today and the group interview that followed with coach Jim Zorn.

* Personnel boss Vinny Cerrato said Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling will work out for teams next Thursday in South Carolina. Merling underwent sports hernia surgery last month. Cerrato said teams cannot bring prospects to their facilities the week before the draft. "We'll get a chance to see him do some drills and evaluate him at that time," Cerrato said.

* Cerrato said a "long list of guys" have been removed from the Redskins draft board because of character issues. "That hasn't changed," he said. "The thing we've learned and Jim has also said, you win with quality people and we have an outstanding locker room. We don't want to bring a bad guy into a good locker room." Cerrato would not comment on whether Michigan WR Mario Manningham or Kansas CB Aqib Talib were on the draft board. Both players admitted at the NFL Combine of using marijuana in college.

* The Redskins gave draft-able grades to 150 players, up from 109 last year.

* Zorn on playing three NFC East road games in the first five weeks: "We want to start fast. I can't predict that with the team yet because I'm getting to know the players, the systems and how we'll pull together. I hope I don't overstep my words with my hopes by going, ‘Yeah, we're going to be great.' I don't know that. I'm hoping we excel to greatness and with the road games, we have to start fast and it's a great challenge. We do have away games in the preseason and that will help us."

* Zorn on Jason Campbell's red zone interceptions: "In the red zone, things happen much faster and there are split second decisions. What I've got to do and haven't taken the opportunity yet is go through those with him one by one. I would be assuming something. I can't say he made a poor decision because I don't know the play and the philosophy behind it. But I do know it's wild fire in the red zone and you have to be fast, be rhythmic and the decision making from a touchdown to a pick is really small."

* Zorn on the running game: "One thing that's evident is that the running attacks Joe [Bugel], Stump [Mitchell] and Sherman [Smith] are putting together are sound. We were sound in Seattle and we're using the terminology [Redskins] players would recognize last year in the run game. We can start faster in the run game than we probably will in the passing game because there will be more familiarity."

- Ryan O'Halloran

A Redskins source said that Bengals star Chad Johnson isn't the only receiver about whom the team has inquired about acquiring. But as with Cincinnati, which rejected Washington's offer of the 21st pick in this weekend's draft and a conditional third-rounder in 2009, Arizona and Detroit turned down overtures regarding Anquan Boldin and Roy Williams, respectively.

The Redskins source added that Boldin and Williams, like Johnson, are both off the market.

Boldin, 27, and Williams, 26, aren't as hyped as Ocho Cinco, but the former reached 300 catches in the fewest games in NFL history and the latter has 28 touchdowns in just 44 career starts. And, at 6-foot-3, Williams definitely has the height that new Redskins coach Jim Zorn wants to add to his receiving corps.

-- David Elfin

Yours truly participated in a mock draft of writers who cover each NFL team for Sports Illustrated Here's how it went.

1 Dolphins (Harvey Fialkov) – Michigan OT Jake Long
I can't go wrong with this one as the 'Long' wait ended four days early after the Dolphins locked up the No. 1 pick by signing Michigan tackle Jake Long to a five-year deal worth $57.75 million, including $30 million guaranteed. The 6-7, 315-pound Long is expected to be the franchise's cornerstone left tackle they haven't had since Richmond Webb bolted eight seasons ago. With coach Tony Sparano being a long-time o-line coach, and Dolphins czar Bill Parcells both believing in building teams from the inside out this was a no-brainer. One of Tuna's favorite all-time players was a 6-7 left tackle from Michigan named Jumbo Elliott. Sound familiar?

2 Rams (Howard Balzer) - Virginia DE Chris Long
Now the Rams know they have the choice of Long, Glenn Dorsey, Darren McFadden or Vernon Gholston. A trade is in play with a team that wants to ensure they get Dorsey or McFadden, but don't be shocked by the addition of McFadden, especially with Steven Jackson entering the final year of his contract. Gholston's athletic ability will be tempting as will Dorsey's excellence, but in the end, the Rams go with the safest pick in the draft at one of their neediest positions.

3 Falcons (Steve Wyche) - Glenn Dorsey, LSU DT
Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff is past the angst of the Rams taking his most coveted prospect. There is some temptation for BC QB Matt Ryan here but Dorsey is the defensive anchor defensive-minded head coach Mike Smith wants to build upon. Injury concerns have been pooh-poohed by Dimitroff from Day 1. Dorsey immediately replaces departed starter Rod Coleman and helps protect MLB Keith Brooking and boosts production of second-year DE Jamaal Anderson.


4 Raiders (Steve Corkran) – Arkansas running back Darren McFadden
Raiders managing general partner Al Davis bucks conventional wisdom by drafting the best player available and not the best player at the position of greatest need. Davis , as usual, just can't get past the speed and wow factors. Adding McFadden gives the Raiders, perhaps, the most-talented player from this year's draft class. However, it also gives coach Lane Kiffin a crowded backfield and, therefore, a major problem to resolve. McFadden joins a backfield that includes Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, LaMont Jordan and Michael Bush -- the team's fourth-round pick last season. Something has to give. The Raiders just became a more exciting team, though not necessarily a better one.

5 Chiefs (Adam Teicher) – Boise State OT Ryan Clady
Gholston and Ryan are both temptations, but the offensive line is the Chiefs' most glaring weakness, so they address it here by taking the best tackle not named Long. Wednesday's trade of Jared Allen to the Vikings gives the Chiefs an extra draft choice in the first round (No. 17) so look for them to find Allen's replacement at defensive end in a dozen picks.

6 Jets (Tom Rock) – Boston College QB Matt Ryan
Watching the Raiders take McFadden, the player the Jets covet most, is one of the reasons they may be itching to climb up ahead of Oakland. Here they'll take their second choice and it's not a bad one. Having Ryan in the mix will give them a chance to actively shop veteran Chad Pennington and provide them with a backup plan in case Kellen Clemens doesn't improve from a mediocre 2007. Worst-case scenario two years from now, Clemens is a bonafide starter and the Jets still have Ryan with a strong resale value to dangle in front of other QB-starved teams.

7 Patriots (John Tomase) - Vernon Gholston , DE /LB, Ohio State
Bill Belichick and Co. had to take a linebacker before the fifth round one of these years, and Gholston is the perfect guy. The 6-3, 266-pounder started his Buckeyes career as a linebacker, moved to defensive end, and finished as a drop end, which means he has experience with some of the coverage aspects the Patriots seek in their outside linebackers. While the learning curve in New England's 3-4 is steep, Gholston has already spent summers working out with fellow Ohio State grad Mike Vrabel, so he's got a head start.

8 Ravens (Aaron Wilson) – Troy University CB Leodis McKelvin
Although disappointed that they were unable to immediately end their quest for a franchise quarterback since Matt Ryan is off the draft board, after exploring trade-back scenarios with the New Orleans Saints regarding USC defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis, the Ravens stay true to their board and land one of the fastest-rising prospects. With cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle up in years and recovering from injuries and illness last season, respectively, the Ravens need an influx of talent at this critical position. McKelvin lacks ideal size, but has 4.38 speed, a competitive streak, sound character and rare return skills with eight career kick returns for touchdowns. He could develop into a shutdown cornerback, and his special-teams ability is a bonus attribute for new coach John Harbaugh.

9 Bengals (Kevin Goheen) – Southern Cal DT Sedrick Ellis
The Bengals spent their last two first-round picks on CBs (Johnathan Joseph in ’06 and Leon Hall in ’07) and now address the front line of a defense that has finished in the bottom six of the league four of the five seasons Marvin Lewis has been at the helm. Ellis should help immediately in providing push up the middle. The Chad Johnson fiasco and release of Chris Henry leaves Cincinnati with a need at WR but the No. 9 pick is not the spot to fill that hole. The offense was a disappointment in 2007 but has talent in-house to improve. That kind of talent level doesn’t exist on the defensive roster.

10 Saints (Sheldon Mickles) – Southern Cal LB Keith Rivers
The Saints would have loved to have had a shot at Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis, but they still come out OK. They've been looking for a fast, aggressive linebacker long before Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs arrived in 2006, and they finally get their guy. Scott Fujita is a solid starter on the strong side and they traded for middle 'backer Jonathan Vilma and then signed Dan Morgan for the weak side to try and upgrade the league's 26th-ranked defense. But they need insurance (especially if Morgan continues to have injury problems) and the 240-pound Rivers, who ran the 40 in 4.58 seconds at his Pro Day, gives them some options for the future since he plays all three linebacking positions. Being the latest in a long line of star USC linebackers doesn't hurt, either.

11 Bills (Mark Gaughan) – Michigan State. WR. Devin Thomas
The Bills’ two biggest needs are at wide receiver and cornerback. The top cornerback on the board (Leodis McKelvin) is gone. The top wideout is Thomas. Last season Buffalo ranked 30th on offense and 30th in passing yards. Their offense has been mostly painful to watch this entire decade. They have no one right now to start on the outside opposite Lee Evans. Thomas is a big threat who fills a glaring, glaring need.

12 Broncos (Mike Klis) – Vanderbilt LT Chris Williams
B-o-o-o-r-r-i-n-g! Before making this pick, the Goodmans - dad Jim and son Jeff, who are assuming right-hand command of the Broncos’ draft following the ouster of GM Ted Sundquist - put in calls to Detroit at No. 15, Houston at No. 18 and Dallas at No. 22 in hopes of trading down. The Broncos like Williams, but don’t necessarily believe he’s worthy of No. 12 money. Taking Williams was a tough call over Branden Albert, the left tackle/offensive guard from Virginia whose stock supposedly had risen in recent weeks. But reuniting Williams on the blindside of former college teammate Jay Cutler was irresistible. The Broncos also bypass coveted Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart, bringing relief to Travis Henry and The Henry-ettes.

13 Panthers (Stan Olson) – Florida DE Derrick Harvey
The Panthers are faced with an embarrassment of riches at this point. For all the talk that they will take an OT, my guess is that they go for a rush end after offering a defensive front that had no one with more than 3.5 sacks last season. And the best DE available is Florida 's Harvey, who seems good enough to step into the hole left with the retirement of Mike Rucker. Carolina needs someone to jumpstart a front four that has been fading in recent years, and the 6-4, 250-pound Harvey is the bet here. Don't rule out an RB at this spot, with Jonathan Stewart and Rashard Mendenhall still available. DeAngelo Williams will need some help. If they were to pick an OL, they like Jeff Otah and Branden Albert alot.

14 Bears (Bob Legere) – Pittsburgh OT Jeff Otah
Coach Lovie Smith was ridiculed much of last season for insisting that the Bears get off the bus running the football, especially when they finished No. 32 in average gain per rush and No. 30 in rushing yards. They would like hometown favorite RB Rashard Mendenhall from Illinois, but they must improve an o-line that was poor last season and has since lost two starters (ORT Fred Miller, who was released and OLG Ruben Brown, who was not offered a contract). Brandon Albert might receive some consideration, but Otah is more of the smash-mouth type player they want for the running game, and he has great upside. They're confident he can start at ORT right now and believe he can eventually handle the left tackle spot.

15 Lions (Mike O'Hara) – Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo
You could hear hearts crack in the Lions' draft compound when the Panthers took Derrick Harvey. That's who the Lions' targeted at No. 15. They want to look to defense, but consider other options. They've had nine first-round draft picks since 2000 and eight have been used on offense -- one quarterback, one running back, two tackles and four wide receivers. The exception was 2006, when Rod Marinelli took linebacker Ernie Sims in his first year as head coach. Sims is the only first-round pick starting on the Lions' defense. Marinelli wants fresh legs and more talent on defense. With Harvey off the board, the choices are a running back, trading down or staying put and going for defense. The Lions like Mayo. He can play inside or outside.

16 Cardinals (Scott Bordow) – Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall
With the move of Antrel Rolle to free safety, Arizona needs a cornerback and will be tempted by Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib and Tennessee State corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. But the Cardinals desperately need some gamebreakers on offense. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are not protypical deep threats, and running back Edgerrin James can't turn a 6-yard gain into a 60-yard touchdown. Mendenhall would give the Cardinals a potential home-run hitter and possibly lead to the club trading James or releasing him before training camp.

17 Chiefs (Adam Teicher) – Clemson DE Phillip Merling
The Chiefs gambled a quality defensive end would be available here and it paid off. Merling might not pick up right where Jared Allen left off, but it's a good start. Kansas City leaves the first round with two players -- Clady and Merling -- who should start from day one.

18 Texans (Megan Manfull) – Virginia OT Branden Albert
The Texans have had problems at left tackle since they drafted Tony Boselli with the No. 1 overall pick in the expansion draft. They thought they drafted their "future" at left tackle two years ago when they selected Charles Spencer in the third round. He suffered a serious knee injury two starts into his career and is still trying to make a comeback. If Branden Albert or Chris Williams are available here, it would be hard for the Texans to look anywhere else. They are determined to finally solve their offensive line woes and each of those tackles fit well into the zone blocking system Alex Gibbs is implementing.

19 Eagles (Reuben Frank) – Tennessee State CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
As desperate as the Eagles are for a wide receiver for the present and an offensive tackle for the future, it’s just not their nature to reach at a position of need. The Eagles consider nickel corner a 12th starting position, and with the anticipated departure of Lito Sheppard, Rodgers-Cromartie provides speed and playmaking alongside veteran corners Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel. Rodgers-Cromartie also injects immediate hope into a lifeless return game that was among the NFL’s worst in 2007. He gets the nod over Michael Jenkins on a character tiebreaker.

20 Buccaneers (Rick Stroud/Steve Holder) – South Florida CB Mike Jenkins

This will look like a homer move, but this isn't about taking the hometown kid. Jenkins' body of work at USF is what the Bucs want at cornerback -- a player who is equally proficient playing man-to-man or zone coverage. With Brian Kelly now in Detroit and Ronde Barber having recently turned 33, they could become very thin very quickly at cornerback. The Bucs are in dire need of help in the return game, which is something Jenkins offers. The Bucs need help at receiver, too, but there will be options available in the second round as well.

21 Redskins (David Elfin) – Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly
Washington, after being weirdly quiet during free agency, is in unusual territory with nine picks, its most since 2002. And the Redskins haven't had their first pick in the first round below the top 10 since 2002. They would probably have taken Phillip Merling or Branden Albert because seven of their starting offensive and defensive linemen are at least 30. Instead, they'll grab Kelly, the big receiver that new coach Jim Zorn needs to properly run his offense, ignoring his recent slow 40 times and petulant comments.

22 Cowboys (Clarence Hill) – Kansas CB Aqib Talib
The Cowboys must get a corner in the first round and it could be two if they finally make the trade for Adam Pacman Jones. The Cowboys lost two cornerbacks in free agency and have no experienced depth behind starters Anthony Henry and Terence Newman. And considering both of those players were hurt much of last year they need a cornerback who they can count on make an immediate contribution. The Cowboys will look running back as well. Felix Jones and Jonathan Stewart are huge considerations.

23 Steelers (Ed Bouchette) – Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart
Pittsburgh has not drafted a running back in the first OR second rounds since Tim Worley in 1989. That draft drought ends here. Although they do not expect him to slip to No. 23, the Steelers will snap up the big, powerful runner they need to get the tough inside yards to go with Fast Willie Parker’s home runs. Pittsburgh lost several late leads last season because it could not grind it out; Stewart will change that, and also make a so-so line better. They also believe his toe will be plenty healed before the season begins.

24 Titans (Paul Kuharsky) – Arkansas RB Felix Jones
While the attention has been on receivers, the Titans need for dynamic playmakers on offense extends beyond the position. While Limas Sweed, and maybe DeSean Jackson, will get a look here, the Titans decide the better value is at running back. In his first turn as offensive coordinator, Mike Heimerdinger liked to get some catches for his backs. Jones will compliment a power running attack headed by LenDale White (second round 2006) and Chris Henry (second round 2007), giving the Titans a new look as well as an option in the return game.

25 Seahawks (Scott Johnson) – USC DE Lawrence Jackson
With plenty of areas to address, especially on special teams, the Seahawks would prefer to trade down a few spots and add some mid-round picks. With no takers, Seattle uses the best-player-available philosophy at No. 25. An aging offense takes backseat to a defensive line that could use depth. Jackson can play immediately and could push Darryl Tapp for a starting spot at right end by midseason. Team president Tim Ruskell knows defense, so he gambles that a top-flight tight end, running back and/or receiver might be available in Round 2 and beyond.

26 Jaguars (Jeff Elliott) – Auburn DT Pat Sims
The Jaguars used nine minutes and 55 second before selecting Sims as they were on the phone with the Dolphins attempting to put together a deal where they would package their pick at No. 26, oft-criticized wide receiver Matt Jones and one of their three fifth-round picks this year in exchange for Jason Taylor. The Dolphins wouldn't budge. The Jaguars wanted a quality DE in the worst way and after failing to get one in free agency, passing on Jared Allen because of the price and failing to get Phillip Merlin or Lawrence Jackson whom they had targeted all along, they settled for Sims to help replace the traded Marcus Stroud. Some felt Calais Campbell would be the better choice here, but the Jaguars were concerned about numerous other tall Des who had failed and at the last minute, got cold feet on Campbell and went with the safer pick in Sims.

27 Chargers (Jay Paris) – Boston College OT Gosder Cherilus
With the Chargers returning the bulk of their starters from a team which advanced to last season's AFC Championship Game, there wasn't a frontline position needing to be filled. But the Chargers are thin at offensive tackle with former starter Shane Olivea being released in the offseason after losing his spot to Jeromey Clary. But with just six NFL starts at right tackle on Clary's resume and no viable backups on the roster, the Chargers draft offensive tackle xx of xxx to supply depth and possibly push Clary for a starting role. The team also has depth concerns at defensive line, cornerback and running back, but the lack of players at such a critical spot for a high-octane offense was just too important to overlook.

28 Cowboys (Clarence Hill) – Texas RB Jamaal Charles
This is a spot where the Cowboys will mostly likely look to trade down, especially if the board goes like it has today. Owner Jerry Jones said he will not reach for a prospect and believes his will get calls from other teams looking to get up into the first round, especailly teams looking to take a quarterback. The Cowboys would have take Felix Jones here if he were available and although they also have needs at receiver they need someone to contribute immediately. History says receivers don't have the big first year impact. Charles or Chris Johnson could fill need the need at running back and provide a complement to starter Marion Barber.

29 49ers (Kevin Lynch) – Cal WR DeSean Jackson
Jackson visited the team facility and the 49ers have long been interested in him. His return abilities and deep speed fulfill two needs. The 49ers hope defenses will have to devote safety help to his side because if he gets behind a cornerback it's a touchdown. Drawing the safety could open the running game for running back Frank Gore and allow room for tight end Vernon Davis to function underneath.

30 Packers (Greg Bedard) – Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
Well, since trying to predict who Packers GM Ted Thompson will draft is akin to figuring out your wife's thought process, this is a tall task. Thompson took DT Justin Harrell last year when he already had 34 linemen. This year, conventional wisdom says the Packers need a cornerback to start replacing 30-somethings Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Or a quarterback since some guy named Brett Favre retired leaving Aaron Rodgers, the anti-Ironman, all by his lonesome. Thompson, after trying desperately to trade down, will buck his outside-the-box thinking and go with Cason, who has the physical cover skills needed in the Packers' scheme.

31 Giants (Ralph Vacchiano) – Miami S Kenny Phillips
There aren’t many holes on the Super Bowl champs, but safety is the biggest and most obvious one since they lost Gibril Wilson to the Oakland Raiders. They did sign veteran Sammy Knight, but they’d be just a stop-gap player. There only other safeties are up-and-down James Butler and Michael Johnson, a raw talent heading into his second year. They’re looking for a young safety prospect to groom for the future. And defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo absolutely loves the potential of Phillips, a speedy, smart playmaker who could fill the role that he watched Brian Dawkins fill in Philadelphia for years.

Our guy Jimmy from Riptown Media fed us some of the following odds (none including the Redskins).

1. Who will St. Louis draft with the second pick?

Chris Long, DE, Virginia: 11-10
Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: 4-5
Everybody else: 7-2

My take: Now that Jake Long is off the board, Chris Long is the best choice given the Rams' needs.

2. Who will the Atlanta Falcons select with the #3 pick in the NFL Draft?

Matt Ryan: 5/6
Glenn Dorsey: Even
Chris Long: 9/2
Vernon Gholston: 10/1
Field: 4/1

My take: Ryan would be the smart choice but currently the Falcons think Chris Redman/Joey Harrington is the smart choice.

3. Who will the Oakland Raiders select with the #4 pick In the NFL Draft?

Darren McFadden: 2/3
Chris Long: 4/1
Glenn Dorsey: 6/1
Vernon Gholston: 7/2
Field: 3/1

My take: Al Davis runs the Raiders draft room, which means predicting anything is meaningless.

4. Will the New England Patriots keep or trade the #7 overall pick?
Trade Up: 7/2
Keep: 2/3
Trade Down: 13/10

My take: If Long/Ghoslton are gone, the Pats try to trade down because this is a team that loathes high salaries (except for Brady).


5. Who will be the second QB drafted?

Brian Brohm: 5/9
Chad Henne: 9/5
Joe Flacco: 5/2
Other: 6/1

My take: I'll go with a team trading into the late first round to take Brohm.

6. What round will the Eagles draft their first WR?

Round 1: 7/5
Round 2: Even
Round 3: 4/1
Round 4: 9/2
Other : 5/1

My take: Round 2. In the first round, they should take a safety.

7. The Dallas Cowboys first 1st round pick will be?
Running Back: 5/6
Wide Receiver : Even
Cornerback: 3/2
Any other position: 2/1

My take: A running back is obvious. But if Felix Jones is gone, who knows? Read my mock draft in Friday's paper.

- Ryan O'Halloran

I just went through the history of the 21st pick in the NFL draft, the one the Redskins own in tomorrow's draft. This will be the 42nd draft since the AFL and NFL began choosing players together three years before their 1970 merger, meaning it's also the 42nd draft in which the 21st pick has been a first-rounder.

No. 21 has produced a Hall of Famer (Lynn Swann) and another all-but-sure enshrinee (Randy Moss).

There are also some Redskins connections even though this will be Washington's first No. 21 first-rounder. Cornerbacks coach Jerry Gray was the 21st pick in 1985 and went on to four Pro Bowls. Guard Pete Kendall was the 21st choice in 1996, a year before former defensive end Renaldo Wynn and a decade before former receiver Tim McGee.

The 21st selection in 1980 was Don McNeal, whose tackle John Riggins broke on the long touchdown run that claimed the Redskins' first Super Bowl triumph in January 1983. The year before McNeal, Jerry Robinson went 21st. He's the linebacker whom Redskins tackle Jim Lachey knocked cold with a blindside block in 1989.

And the second No. 21 of the combined draft was defensive end Marvin Upshaw, younger brother of Hall of Fame guard/NFL Players Association boss Gene Upshaw.

Marvin Upshaw isn't the only forgettable No. 21. Anyone remember cornerbacks John Charles and Ted Watts, tackle Bob McKay or receiver Barry Smith?

The Redskins have to hope they're as smart as the Patriots, who had No. 21 in three of the past six drafts and took tight end Daniel Graham, a starter on their 2004 Super Bowl champions; standout defensive tackle Vince Wilfork; and ace running back Laurence Maroney. Of course, those selections help explain why they're the Patriots, the NFL's top team of the millenium.

The start of the NFL Draft is less than an hour away. The Redskins, if they stick with pick No. 21, are likely to draft around 6:30 p.m.

The Redskins currently have two picks today. I'll stick with Clemson DE Phillip Merling if he's still on the board and then the Redskins will go/should go receiver in the second round. There's a lot to like about Kansas State's Jordy Nelson.

We'll be checking in throughout the day. Send questions/comments to skinsmailbag@washingtontimes.com.

-- Ryan O'Halloran

The final five rounds of the draft are tomorrow. There are about 200 picks. With five minutes allowed per pick, that's 1,000 minutes or more than 16 hours. That means the draft could go into early Monday morning. Only the truly dedicated will hang in for that.

-- David Elfin

Longtime writers who've covered the Cardinals, Bengals and Lions have assured me that there's no way that those teams are trading their respective star receivers Anquan Boldin, Chad Johnson and Roy Williams to the Redskins.

Meanwhile, new Redskins coach Jim Zorn followed in the footsteps of predecessor Joe Gibbs by helicoptering from Redskin Park to FedEx Field for the team's annual draft day party. Zorn was joined by several of his assistants for the quick visit to Landover. All are now back on the premises although the Redskins don't figure to make their first pick for three hours.

-- David Elfin

Things are cruising along at an impressive pace -- 10 picks made in the first 76 minutes.

Some quick takes on what has transpired so far.

* Atlanta made the right move drafting Boston College QB Matt Ryan with the third pick. The Falcons need a franchise face and need to tell their fans once and for all that the Michael Vick Error is over. Franchise-type quarterbacks don't come along that often so the Falcons had to seize the chance.

* Darren McFadden's numbers are eye-popping and he'll likely be a productive player for Oakland. But I cringed when ESPN's Keyshawn Johnson compared McFadden to Reggie Bush. In two seasons, Bush can be classified as a disappointment and it's likely he won't ever be an effective inside runner.

* Count on the Ravens to take Joe Flacco by the end of the night.

* Jacksonville traded two third-rounders and a fourth rounder to swap first-round spots with Baltimore. And for a player -- Florida DE Derrick Harvey -- that could have been had in the 12-18 range. It was a great move by the Ravens to move down and stockpile picks.

* Seven of the first 10 picks were defensive players.

* From the local/regional angle, Virginia's Chris Long went second to St. Louis and New England took LB Jerod Mayo (native of Hampton, Va.) with the 10th pick.

- Ryan O'Halloran

Thanks to New England trading the seventh pick to New Orleans and the Saints taking USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis and Baltimore trading the eighth pick to Jacksonville and the Jaguars taking Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey, that's five defensive linemen among the first eight players selected.

Include first overall pick Jake Long, the offensive tackle, that's six out of eight in the trenches and just two skill position guys, quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Darren McFadden, who've come off the board.

-- David Elfin

Kansas City just took Virginia offensive linemen Branden Albert at No. 15 after a trade with Detroit. That's two Cavaliers in the top 15. Only USC has also had two players picked.

-- David Elfin

The Redskins were one pick away when the satellite went out at Redskin Park. That follows the lights flickering during coach Jim Zorn's introductory press conference in February.

-- David Elfin

The Redskins have traded their 21st overall pick as well as third- and fifth-rounders (Nos 84 and 154) to Atlanta.

In return, the Redskins got two of the Falcons' second-round picks (No. 34 overall and No. 48 overall ) and a fourth-round pick (No. 103 overall). All in all a pretty good trade for the Redskins.

The Falcons used the pick to reach for USC offensive tackle Sam Baker.

We're still waiting to hear what Atlanta gave to the Redskins but it's safe to assume it includes

-- Ryan O'Halloran

The Redskins just made their first selection of the day, taking Michigan State WR Devin Thomas with the 34th overall pick.

Thomas slipped into the second round and the Redskins used the first of their three second-round picks on the 6-1 1/2, 218-pounder.

Thomas started his career at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College.

He made 79 catches for eight touchdowns last year for the Spartans.

-- Ryan O'Halloran

With their second selection of the second round, the Redskins have drafted USC tight end Fred Davis. Davis, 6-3 1/2, 247 pounds, had 62 catches for the Trojans last season.

The Redskins wanted to address their blocking tight end position although I thought Todd Yoder did a decent job in that role. But his offensive production is impressive considering how many weapons USC possesses.

Taking a tight end this high is interesting.

-- Ryan O'Halloran