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Redskins
With Vinny Cerrato
Washington Redskins' Director of Player Personnel
Friday, May 2, 2003; 2 p.m. ET
What are the Redskins plans for this season? Are University of Florida wideout Taylor Jacobs and free agent Laveranues Coles the answer to Spurrier's offense? How do rookie quarterbacks Gibran Hamdan and Brad Banks look?
Vinny Cerrato, Washington Redskins' director of player personnel, was online to discuss free agency, the
draft and the start of the Redskins' three-day minicamp.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Vinny Cerrato: After what we have done in the off season we are very excited about this upcoming football season.
Bowie, Md.:
What lessons did the team learn from the 2000 offseason spending spree that influenced your decisions this year?
Vinny Cerrato: I think the biggest thing is that this group of guys are young and getting ready to take off into their careers and they can all play out their whole contact. They are not a bandaid, they are part of the nucleus.
Louisville, Ky.:
Vinny, all the talking heads seem to be reading from the same script about the Redskins offseason moves, saying we "overspent" and are "mortgaging the future." I think you have paid fair market values for young players entering the prime of their careers. How do you answer the critics?
Vinny Cerrato: I think the people that criticize are probably from the opposing teams who didn't' get these guys. The next team would have paid the same if we didn't. the Jets will spend more for James Robinson than we did for Coles.
Richmond, Va.:
Do you feel as though the skins will be able to keep Champ Bailey past this year?
Vinny Cerrato: Yes. No question.
Springfield, Mass.:
White shirt Vinny,
How is Trotter's knee? Will he be ready to go week 1?
Vinny Cerrato: Yes. He is on schedule, working hard. He will be limited in training camp but will be ready for the Jets.
Fairfax, Va.:
Vinny, you are the man! Are the skins going to be wearing those awesome retro uni's next year or are they back in the closet for good?
Vinny Cerrato: I don't believe so.
Weston, W.V.:
How will our defense compare to last year's?
Vinny Cerrato: It is pretty much the same group other than Gardner. We think the overall defense, with some of our newer additions, may not be as dominant upfront but overall can be better.
Jamison, Pa.:
If you had to pick just one player that you are most excited about, right here and now, on the Redskins this year, who would it be?
Vinny Cerrato: Anxious to watch Coles play and see the next step with him.
Concord, Va.:
ESPN is reporting that the Skins added CB Alex Molden today. Any comment on how Molden fits in with the team's plans?
Vinny Cerrato: He is a veteran play that has started in 16 games last year so he will give us quality depth in the secondary.
Reston, Va.:
Hi Vinnie, I loved our draft this year, with the exception of our 7th round pick. Why did we draft a quarterback who would have most likely gone undrafted when we could have selected one of the punters on our board instead?
Vinny Cerrato: There were three pointers who we liked still on the board and only one quarterback, so the odds that all three punters would be gone were small.
Baton Rouge, La.:
How did you get your start in the business?
Vinny Cerrato: I was a graduate assistant that the University of Minnesota. Then I went to Notre Dame and the 49ers.
San Francisco, Calif.:
Do you have any intentions of leaving the Redskins anytime soon and returning to the 49ers? We need help!
Vinny Cerrato: No thank you. Been there, done that.
Durham, N.C.:
I have been a die-hard skins fan my whole life. Do you think it will take a while for the team to click seeing that you have brought in a number of free agents, draft picks, and undrafted free agents? Thank you.
Vinny Cerrato: Let's hope with the offseason program, QB schools and mini camps that things start to come together quickly.
Arlington, Va.:
With the signing of CB Alex Molden, should we expect to see him move into the nickel spot in place of Bauman? Will he challenge for a starting spot?
Vinny Cerrato: I think those things will work themselves out in training camp.
Germantown, Md.:
You know how important QB play is to the success of a team. Do you feel Ramsey is ready to take every snap this season?
Vinny Cerrato: We plan on that. As long as he is healthy, and he has had the last few weeks of the season last year and the whole off season to get ready. He has made tremendous strides.
Washington, D.C.:
When will the transition period end? I understand that every team needs to rebuild at some point; however, it seems like we are rotating through players and coaching staff a little too often. The rookies are obviously in a new situation but I don't think it is fair to have such high expectations every year when the veterans are always forced to learn a new system or adjust to new players. I know that this can't and won't be solved immediately, but I would like your opinion/insight. As a loyal fan, I will suport through every season winning or losing but it is hard to be let down time after time.
Vinny Cerrato: I think we have put a foundation together now that will be together for about three years for sure.
Washington, D.C.:
Hi Vinny -- from a season ticket holder:
Where do things standing with bringing in some punters? I have heard you say in interviews that you thought that one of the three punters you were interested in would be available after the draft. Knowing what you know now, would you have drafted a punter in the 7th? How strong was the level of interest in Hamdan by other teams, and why didn't you believe he would be available as a free agent? Thanks!
Vinny Cerrato: We brought in two guys for tryouts this weekend and we will watch the other teams in the preseason games because right now every other team has two. We will be very patient with that spot.
Germantown, Md.:
Come on! Tell us about Smoot. Do you think he'll be here long term?
Vinny Cerrato: Yes. I believe so.
York, Pa.:
Tell us about the running backs on the squad. Specifically, how will Watson, Betts, Cartwright, Johnson, and Gillespie fit into the puzzle given the acquisition of Candidate? Also, if you could touch on the subject of the releasing of S. Davis. It's hard to believe that he would not restructure his contract to fit under the cap since he wanted to remain with the Redskins. Do recall, this is the NFC East where a hard-nose running game has proven to be successful in the division. I don't see where the club has improved their situation by copying what the Rams have done.
Vinny Cerrato: Well we were looking for speed and that is why Stephen Davis didn't really fit with what we were trying to accomplish. Now we have good quality guys with speed and good competition at the position.
Red House, Va.:
Who's the biggest sleeper player to keep an eye on in training camp?
Vinny Cerrato: Probably Matt Bowen. Not many people have heard much about him.
Carmel Valley, Calif.:
The Redskins run their front office differently than other teams since there is no General Manager. I have two questions:
Who has the final say in identifying team needs going into the draft?
How are deviations from this plan agreed upon and who has the final say?
Vinny Cerrato: Dan Snyder.
Hollywood, Fla.:
Have the Redskins considered taking a look at safety Sammy Knight?
Vinny Cerrato: No. We evaluated those guys in the off season and right now we don't plan to.
Extremeskins, Va.:
I know the Skins have two of the top cover corners in the league in Champ and Smoot, but they can't be expected to hold coverage all day without a decent pass rush. Which players do you see providing the bulk of the pass rush this season, and are you still looking to add a pass rusher or two?
Vinny Cerrato: I think Upshaw, Arrington, and Bruce Smith will add pass rush.
Potomac Falls, Va.:
My wife and I attend every Redskins game. My question is why hasn't the tight end position been more active/productive in the offense. Is it the personnel or the system? Can we expect that to change this year?
PS. I'm the only Virginia resident with Redskins Tags that say "DALSUX" everyone loves them, except Dallas fans. Thanks for your time.
Vinny Cerrato: The system dictates how the tight end fits in and even at the University of Florida the tight ends never caught many balls.
Dale City, Va.:
We've seen your reaction to the offseason signings and trades. How excited would say Coach Spurrier is right now with the additions we've made this offseason, including today's addition of Molden? Would you be able to speak for him?
Vinny Cerrato: Not really, but I know he is anxious to have this speed and play making ability on offense. It fits in to what he is used to.
Arlington, Va.:
What team(s), besides the Redskins of course, do you think had the best draft and why?
Thanks.
Vinny Cerrato: Baltimore did a nice job - it was expensive to trade back up but they added some good players.
Washington, D.C.:
Congratulations to Vinny, Spurrier and the Redskins for the offseason moves and the nice pick in the draft. Vinny, love the way you handled that doof from ESPN during your interview at the draft.(Gotta upgrade positions when possible) I believe we are moving in the right direction.
Vinny Cerrato: Thank you very much. We will continue to look to improve the team if need be.
Concord, Va.:
Will Brad Banks be looked at solely as a QB for the Skins, or will he try other positions and/or special teams?
Vinny Cerrato: QB only.
Reston, Va.:
Vinny,
Would love your take on Trung, will he be an every down back or used more as a receiver from the backfield?
Vinny Cerrato: He will used more as an every down guy.
Reston, Va.:
Vinny,
The Redskins' aggressive pursuit of restricted free agents seems to have taken the league by surprise. Why do you think this method of acquiring players has been underappreciated? Is this the start of a new trend?
Vinny Cerrato: I think it could be. If we have success with it this year I think a lot more people will start doing it as well. you have them longer and you get experienced guys for just a little more money.
Lyndonville, Vt.:
If you could bring any one player in the NFL today to the Skins, who would it be?
Vinny Cerrato: I feel good about what we have right now.
Springfield, Mass.:
Vinny,
How will George Edwards' system differ from Marvin Lewis'? Do you see Arrington having a big season?
Vinny Cerrato: I think it will be simpler and you will se LaVar doing more things that he is comfortable with.
Annandale, Va.:
How is Cliff Russell progressing? Any long term impacts from his injury last year?
Vinny Cerrato: He is coming along very nicely and his speed is back. He just needs to get his confidence against competition back.
Germantown, Md.:
Vinny -- Great job this offseason!
I would like to know how high the Redskins rated Kelley Washington(WR)?
Thanks. Keep up the good work!
Vinny Cerrato: We like him as a football player but his medical questions scared us.
Fairfax, Va.:
I want to buy a Redskins jersey, but I don't want one of a player who will retire, get traded, or leave via free agency in the next few years. Ideally, the player I pick should be popular and a perennial all-pro over the next five to seven years. Whose jersey should I buy?
Vinny Cerrato: Coles, Samuels, Arrington, Randy Thomas, and Champ Bailey.
Rochester, N.Y.:
Are we looking at Jamir Miller? Thanks!
Vinny Cerrato: No.
New York, N.Y.:
The offensive line was pretty much rock solid before
Dockery was drafted. Is he being projected as a
backup to Samuels/Jansen, or will he work at the
guard spots?
Vinny Cerrato: He will work at tackle and guard -- both spots.
Frederick, Md.:
Are we still looking to sign larry Centers -- he is a good veteran to have in your team.
Vinny Cerrato: We are pretty well set at full back.
Massachussetts:
Vinny,
Where do you buy your white shirts?
Vinny Cerrato: I buy them at Morrison and Sons in Chicago, Ill.
Virginia:
How does Justin Skaggs' chances look this year? He seems to be tearing it up in NFL Europe.
Vinny Cerrato: He has a good chance to compete in training camp.
Massachussetts:
Vinny,
Were you surprised about the Chad Morton ruling?
Vinny Cerrato: Yeah, we were surprised but very happy with the results.
Annapolis, Md.:
Will Lavar rush from the end position this year? Last year, that didn't appear to be his strength.
Vinny Cerrato: I think he will becoming form all over... and playing more to his strengths.
Potomac, Md.:
Is it true Dan Snyder tried to trade up to get McGahee?!?
Vinny Cerrato: We had talked about moving up some, but before those conversations even took place he was drafted, so no, we did not.
Annapolis, Md.:
When there comes a time where the offense needs to control the clock, and there will, will the O-line be up to it and which back will carry the load?
Vinny Cerrato: I think that is yet to be determined, but the offensive line will be up to the task.
Bethesda, Md.:
Since Myers resigned with the cowboys, are there any players we are looking at this moment or are we waiting for the June 1 cuts to add another possible DT?
Vinny Cerrato: Doesn't look like we will add another DT. We will evaluate things after this minicamp.
Vinny Cerrato: Enjoyed talking with everyone. Sorry I could answer all the questions. Remember, we all are thinking and wanting the same thing. We are going to try and hold up our end of the deal so everyone can have enjoyable Sundays.
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
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