One need position the Redskins have identified this offseason is backup quarterback.
Jason Campbell is the designated starter for new head coach Jim Zorn. Veteran Todd Collins returns as Campbell's backup.
It's third-string quarterback that has become a focus since the team decided not to re-sign veteran Mark Brunell this offseason.
"We'll look to the draft to get another [quarterback] to develop," executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato has said. "The ideal thing is when you have a young starter, then a veteran guy, and then another young guy. So that's what we'll look at."
Boston College's Matt Ryan, Louisville's Brian Brohm and Delaware's Joe Flacco are generally regarded as the top quarterbacks available. They should be first-round picks--or at least early second round.
With the draft set for April 26-27, the question becomes: how high should the Redskins draft a QB?
The team appears to have more pressing needs, including wide receiver, defensive line, offensive line and cornerback. So it's likely that quarterback will be addressed on the second day of the draft.
Who are some of the young quarterbacks expected to be available in the third round and beyond?
-- Colt Brennan, Hawaii
Brennan, 6-3 and 185 pounds, was prolific at Hawaii--he completed more than 70 percent of his passes the last two seasons while throwing 96 touchdown passes--but he played in a run-and-shoot offense. He struggled at the Sugar Bowl and the Senior Bowl, but his quick release and accuracy should continue to draw attention.
-- John David Booty, USC
Booty, 6-2 and 213 pounds, played in a pro style offense at USC, completng 518-of-832 passes for 6,125 yards, 55 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He suffered a broken finger in his senior season that sidelined him for three games. Questions about his footwork and technique linger, but he saved his best for last, leading the Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory in a 49-17 thrashing of Illinois.
-- Chad Henne, Michigan
Could Henne be the next Tom Brady, a Michigan QB to make it big despite being a late-round draft pick? Henne, 6-2 and 228 pounds, started four years for the Wolverines. Henne struggled as a senior, but his career stats are impressive: he completed 828 of 1,387 passes for 9,715 yards, 87 touchdowns and 37 interceptions.
-- Erik Ainge, Tennessee
At 6-5 and 225 pounds, Ainge has a good frame for an NFL quarterback. A four-year starter at Tennessee, he completed 733-of-1,210 passes for 8,700 yards, 72 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. He has lacked consistency and doesn't have great mobility, but he could excel in a West Coast offense as a game manager.
-- Josh Johnson, San Diego
Johnson, 6-2 and 213 pounds, started three years at San Diego, a Division I-AA program, and completed 724-of-1,065 passes for 9,699 yards, 113 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Johnson did not compete against top-level competition in college, but he was previously coached by former NFL quarterback and current Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh.
-- Andre Woodson, Kentucky
Woodson, 6-4 and 230 pounds, has prototypical size and has shown flashes as a breakthrough player, but pro scouts have been critical of his overall mechanics. He completed 791-of-1,278 passes for 9,360 yards, 79 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He remains a project quarterback.
-- Alex Brink, Washington State
Washington State has produced some great quarterbacks, including Drew Bledsoe and former Redskin Mark Rypien. The university has also produced draft bust Ryan Leaf. Brink is a 6-3, 215-pounder who started four years for Washington State. He completed 821-of-1,411 passes for 10,514 yards, 71 touchdowns and 43 interceptions. He's regarded by scouts as a tough, smart leader, but he lacks great physical skills.
