As the Washington Redskins prepare for this weekend’s NFL Draft, where their first pick is No. 51 overall, head coach Mike Shanahan met with the press Wednesday to discuss the team’s plans, their off-season goals, and the status of quarterback Robert Griffin III.
Asked if the Skins are targeting positions or players coming off their NFL East title last season, Shanahan replied, “I think you always try to look at your board and take each position, try to get a priority on which guys you feel are a certain skill level: first-round draft choice and second. You get a game plan and if a certain player is there at that time, you are going to take him. If not, you try to trade back, sometimes you try to go forward. A lot depends on how it all falls in place.”
On the possibility of the Skins moving up into the first round this season, where they currently do not own a pick, Shanahan said, “I’d say it would be a long shot looking at what we have, but there is always a possibility. Like one in a million, there is a chance.”
The Redskins remain enthused about Griffin’s recover from major knee surgery, but Shanahan is cautiously optimistic. “I try not to get too excited because what you don’t want to do is something too quick,” the coach said. “So if I was excited about him doing some type of exercise, I think we’re putting him in harm’s way. There’s time it’s going to take and just do it the right way and just make sure we can get him healthy as can be without going too quick. If you go too quick, you set a guy back. That’s what we’re trying to do. That’s what the doctors are trying to do.”
For Shanahan’s complete comments, please click the links below.
04-24-13 Mike Shanahan Presser RAW 1