Interview with 106.7 The Fan's Grant Paulsen - Redskins Beat Reporter and Wings Connoiseur

If you know anything about the Washington D.C. sports landscape, you know who Grant Paulsen is. At a very young age, Paulsen has taken over the media world by storm and has captivated many listeners with his in-depth analysis of the Redskins. He also hosts a show on MLB Network radio discussing the top prospects to come up through the minors. I had the good fortune of interviewing him and here are his answers:

Grant Paulsen hard at work

Q:  What made you want to become a sports journalist/radio personality?

Sports have always been my passion. When I was a kid I would turn down the volume of the games I was watching and fake announce them. After games I would make up pretend questions that I would ask players about the game if I had the chance. Following the local DC teams has always been something I cared a lot about and when I started getting opportunities to cover those teams I realized I wanted to be around the sports scene forever.    
 

Q: Favorite George Mason athlete of all time and why?

Great question. I'd have to say Lamar Butler. He was obviously one of the faces of George Mason's Final 4 run back in 2006, and I'll never forget his 18 points against UNC and 19 points in helping to upset UConn during that magical run. I was a high school senior when Mason went on it's unbelievable March journey, but I already knew I was going to he headed to GMU in the fall so I was going up to Fairfax to watch the games on campus with friends. Butler gets the nod over a couple of the other powerhouse players on that team.
 

Q: How do you think Paul Hewitt has done in replacing Larranaga?

I was very impressed with the job Hewitt did this past season. I was just as upset as everybody else when I found out that Coach L was leaving for Miami, but I think Mason made a quality hire in adding a former longtime-ACC head coach. Hewitt a good basketball coach and he can recruit elite talent. I expect him to have a long, prosperous run at Mason. I liked the track meet style of play he brought to the Patriot Center this past season and I look forward to many points and many wins from the Patriots under his watch in the future.

Q: What's your bigger passion - MLB or Redskins?

This is tough. It's probably more seasonal. I would say football over baseball narrowly, but at different times of the year my answer tends to vary. Come back to me after Opening Day in April and I'll probably tell you baseball.

Q: What do you think happened with the Eddie Royal negotiations?

I think Royal and the Redskins were working on the final details of a contract and other, unexpected teams inquired about his services and he started to play the field a bit. Washington wanted him. He dined with the team's top officials and both sides spent a couple days flirting with one-another but the Chargers ended up giving him what he wanted.

Q: Brandon Merriweather is a Strong Safety and has fallen off after a strong start to his career. Do you think he is just a stopgap or is it possible he plays a larger role in the team's future?

That depends on how he plays this season. He's a 28-year-old who has played in two pro bowls in just five NFL seasons. The number of players who can say that is miniscule. As a former first-round pick, there's no denying his talent. If he's healthy and a schematic fit he can be a difference maker. He showed that in 2008 and 2009 in New England when he posted back-to-back 83 tackle seasons while intercepting nine passes and forcing four fumbles. My guess is that he won't give the Redskins the prolific play he provided the Patriots, but I think he'll be better than he was with the Bears last year, when he lost his starting job and was a reserve after week five.

Q: What other needs do the Redskins have and what names could they be looking at?

The Redskins still need a right tackle. They have interviewed former Buffalo Bills tackle Demetrius Bell. He'd be an interesting fit who could provide depth. I'd be curious to see if they viewed him as an all-downs starter. Obviously, Jammal Brown is under contract so he'd be retained unless Washington finds a better solution. But other than right tackle, free safety is a major need after cutting OJ Atogwe and inside linebacker should be considered a need until London Fletcher is re-signed or another top-starter is added by way of free agency.

Q: Your views on the RG3 trade are well known. How do you think he will perform in his rookie season?

It depends on the supporting cast the Redskins surround him with on offense. Was Andy Dalton a super passer last season or did he have success in Cincinnati because he was protected well (only three NFL quarterbacks were hit less) and because the Bengals could run the football effectively? 

I think Griffin will be able to make plays with his athleticism as early as week-one. He'll make some tremendous throws and he'll make several bad mistakes with the football. Every rookie quarterback does. By the end of the season, though, I fully expect that everybody will understand why the Redskins gave up what they did to get him. He's got an electrifying skillset and a dynamic personality. He's going to be a star in Washington before he ever takes a regular season snap from under center.

Q: When the Redskins start drafting in the 3rd round, do they draft BPA or do they go for a certain position? And if so, what position?

You always draft he best player available, but you should draft that player at a position you need to upgrade. Possible targets in the third round, based on Washington's needs and the way the draft should unfold, are: safety, right tackle, interior offensive line depth, speedy skill position players, linebacker.


Q: Grade Shanahallen's regime so far.

If you're judging him based on his record (11 wins in two seasons) he has not been good enough. I think you have to look at more than just the wins and losses, though. He's rebuilding a team that had very little talent when he showed up. The Redskins have gone from an old, losing team to being a young, losing team. There's a big difference. I like what he's done in putting an emphasis back on the draft (taking 12 players in 2011) and in free agency, by adding players that he deems are fits -- rather than just going after the highest-priced, best players available.

The Most Comprehensive Mock Draft 2.0, Manning, and RGIII

RGIII

RGIII is going to be a Redskins. That is all I have to say. 

CAN'T ****ING WAIT

Manning 

Peyton Manning is not a Colt any more. This is all I'm going to say on this matter (reiterating what I said on my twitter, @darshymania - follow me): Manning's release was inevitable. It sucks for him, sucks for the Colts, and sucks for the city of Indianapolis. I just hope the Redskins aren't dumb enough to throw all their eggs into the basket of a guy who is coming off four neck surgeries...four...four surgeries on his neck..Based on the Redskins' new way of doing things aka the Shanahan way and some rumblings I've heard, Peyton Manning will most likely not come to Washington. Thank god.

(BTW how unfair is it that the Colts get Andrew Luck in April...This is a team that for 14 years enjoyed possibly the best quarterback of all time and now get to enjoy the best prospect since...that very same quarterback. Meanwhile, the Redskins starting quarterback list from Manning's era as a Colt looks something like this: Trent Green, Gus Frerotte, Brad Johnson, Jeff George, Tony Banks, Shane Matthews, Danny Wafflehouse, Patrick Ramsey, Sage Rosenfels, Tim Hasselbeck, Mark Brunell, Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Donovan McNabb, Rex Grossman, and John Beck....)

Bountygate

I find the term "bountygate" to be absolutely asinine and insane. It's also an excuse for the talking heads at the four-letter to summarize the whole situation into one word. If you are a defensive player in the NFL and are not trying to hit your opposition so hard that he fumbles the ball and your team get the ball back, then you should not be in the NFL. Cheap hits are a part of the game...these guys signed up for it. Sure, Gregg Williams might have been a little cuckoo, but tell me one team that hasn't put out a bounty and I'll give up writing.

Fatty Gregg Williams putting out hitties on NFL players..tsk tsk

Now, onto the Mock 2.0, which was done of course with newerascouting.com's Scott Porter. Any picks on which we agreed are represented as one pick. Of course, where there is a difference of opinion, both picks were shown. If you have any questions, either respond to this blog post, or tweet me @darshymania or Scott @BlitzingDog3


Mock 2.0

Round 1

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Obvious. If you don't think this is going to happen, you're an idiot.
 
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Both Scott and I thought that the Redskins would pony up whatever is necessary to get RG3. And they did. The Rams got a great deal and the Redskins did what they have to do. The Skins haven't had a franchise quarterback since Joe Theismann. The Rams fall back to 6 and gather other picks including the Redskins' 2nd round pick and a 1st next year. The Redskins finally find a quarterback that doesn't make people laugh.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Kalil is a supreme talent, not only in this draft, but would be in any draft. He's a sure fire bookend tackle in this league for years to come and for Minnesota, the pick makes sense: protecting Christian Ponder and clearing holes for Adrian Peterson to run through.

The best offensive line prospect since Joe Thomas

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Browns pick Blackmon because I truly believe he is the #1 overall prospect on their draft board. If the Browns really want Griffin, I feel they would have had the pick by now. The Browns have two #1's to offer and a higher pick in each round than the Redskins. I just have a feeling that the Browns are just driving the price of the pick higher and will eventually sit on their picks. This team needs a lot more help than just a quarterback.
 
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Claiborne is the best cornerback in a draft full of talented ones. He is a very similar talent wise to former teammate Patrick Peterson. Regardless of what Greg Schiano thinks of Aqib Talib, Claiborne is a great addition to that secondary.

6. St. Louis Rams: Riley Rieff, OT, Iowa
The Rams trade out of the 2nd pick and lose out on Kalil and Blackmon and end up picking the second best offensive tackle in the draft. The decision is simple here for the Rams: get Bradford a weapon or keep him upright? In this case, the former Hawkeye prevails.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
I think Ingram is the best defensive end in the draft without question. As Scott points out, the Jaguars seem to pick a defensive lineman in the first round every year (other than those years when they pick quarterback busts from Missouri) and Ingram has a slight edge over Quinton Coples who goes next.

8. Miami Dolphins: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
Coples, who might not being the best defensive end in the draft, might be the most athletic. I didn't watch much UNC football, but based on the limited footage of him I saw and the history of North Carolina defensive linemen in the NFL, it's clear that this guy has amazing potential. This pick could also be Ryan Tannehill if the Dolphins don't land Peyton Manning. 

Coples and Ingram are neck and neck for Top DE in this draft

9. Carolina Panthers: Scott - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
                                 Adarsh - Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Floyd would give Cam Newton a great second receiver to pair with Steve Smith. I just feel it's time for Ron Rivera to put his stamp on the Panthers and starts on the defensive line with Poe. That defense was hideous last year and with improvements, could take charge of a suddenly weakening NFC South.
 
10. Buffalo Bills: Scott - Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
                          Adarsh - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Scott has the right idea in that the Bills need to improve their defense. I have to disagree though. While that defense was nothing to write home about, the most important thing for a franchise like the Bills is keeping your franchise quarterback upright. Whether I believe Ryan Fitzpatrick is a franchise quarterback is irrelevant. The Bills clearly do and Jonathan Martin is a very good and of course, smart player like the rest of his colleagues at Stanford.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Scott - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
                                    Adarsh - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Simple. Scott believes that the Chiefs are better off protecting Matt Cassel and I believe it's time for the Chiefs to get new blood in there with Tannehill. Another option here could be Trent Richardson to complement Jamaal Charles who is coming off an injury and Dexter McCluster.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Scott - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
                                   Adarsh - Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
It seems like Scott is copying my pick from the previous selection (haha just kidding...he's going to kill me...). The Seahawks could pick Tannehill if Pete Carroll strikes out in luring a free agent to the great northwest and in trading up for Griffin. Or he could take Brockers or another defensive lineman to help Big Red Bryant and Chris Clemons eat up opposing quarterbacks and running backs.

Tannehill - to the Chiefs or Seahawks?

13. Arizona Cardinals: Scott - David DeCastro, G, Stanford
                                   Adarsh - Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
There could be a lot of Stanford players going in the first round, especially considering those who said Andrew Luck had no talent around him..Despite being an Auburn fan, I just feel Upshaw is too good a value to pass up at #13 and starts immediately for the defensively challenged Arizona Cardinals. 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Scott - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
                                 Adarsh - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Cowboys value cornerbacks. It honestly feels like they draft one every year and none of them pan out. Scott likes Jenkins better. I feel Kirkpatrick will be selected higher as he only got busted for weed once (Jenkins has been busted three times...)
 
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Scott - Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
                                    Adarsh - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Similar to the Cowboys pick, the Eagles have a need at the same position and we disagree on the player. I went with Fletcher Cox who Scott said could go as high as #9 to Carolina. Scott picks Michael Brockers, who I feel is a bit overrated (yet picked him to go to Seattle...)but nonetheless, the Eagles need some help along that defensive line. 

16. New York Jets: Scott - Nick Perry, DE, USC
                               Adarsh - Cordy Glenn, G, Alabama
As Scott mentions, the Jets are a team that have been hard to draft for the past few years. Perry gives the Jets an elite pass rusher, something which they lacked last season. Glenn helps put a band aid on a gaping wound in Mark Sanchez. Trent Richardson could also go here. He's a great value pick here and would make Ladanian Tomlinson expendable. 

17. Cincinnatti Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Instead, Richardson goes here. This is the most common sensical pick in the entire draft. The Bengals get to move on from Cedric Benson and a rotation of Richardson and Bernard Scott should hold up.
 
18. San Diego Chargers: Scott - Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
                                      Adarsh - Nick Perry, DE, USC
The Chargers HAVE to make the playoffs in the 2012-2013 season. That starts with getting the defense some playmakers. Poe and Perry are both solid choices. I just feel Perry would be a better fit in San Diego and would give the Chargers a playmaker they have lacked since Shawne Merriman's prime.

Oh my Poe...

19. Chicago Bears: Scott - Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
                              Adarsh - Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech 
 Jay Cutler deserves an offensive lineman like Mike Adams, but he also deserves someone to throw to. After losing superstar WR Sam Hurd to unfortunate circumstances (I keed), Stephen Hill would give Cutler a potential superstar receiver. Of course this could change if the Bears land Vincent Jackson, which is a very real possibility. 
 
20. Tennessee Titans: Scott - Whitney Mercilis, DE, Illinois
                                  Adarsh - Peter Konz, OT, Wisconsin
After contemplating this for a while, it seems like Scott's pick makes more sense for the Titans. Mercilis has been shooting up draft boards and looks to be a very solid defensive end on the next level. However, Munchak could go with an offensive lineman to protect Locker and give CJ2K some holes to run through and prevent his fantasy owner-maddening slow start again. 
 
21. Cincinnatti Bengals: Scott - Mark Barron, S, Alabama
                                    Adarsh - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
After losing Jonathan Joseph in free agency last year, the Bengals desperately need help in the secondary. Barron is the best safety in this draft, but he's nowhere near top safeties in previous drafts ala Eric Berry. Barron would be a great value at this pick, but so would Jenkins. Jenkins is possibly the most talented cornerback in this draft, but has some valid character concerns, but hey if he's a Bengal, who cares?
 
22. Cleveland Browns: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
Lamar Miller's 40 yard dash has guaranteed himself a spot in the first round. The Browns pick up Miller and Blackmon in the first round for their quarterback next season - whether it be Colt McCoy or Matt Flynn or God knows who. 
 
23. Detroit Lions: Scott - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
                           Adarsh - Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Detroit need someone in the secondary and both Kirkpatrick and Gilmore make sense. I'm not that high on Gilmore, but since I have other corners going higher, the Lions are forced to reach a little for Gilmore. 

Dre Kirkpatricks' draft prospects make him dance

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Scott - Cordy Glenn, G, Alabama
                                    Adarsh - Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama
I think Donta Hightower is a lock to go to the Steelers. He just seems to fit the mold of the typical Pittsburgh linebackers. Cordy Glenn makes a world of sense too, especially given the Steelers' terrible offensive line and Big Ben's injury troubles.

25. Denver Broncos: Scott - Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
                                 Adarsh - Devon Still, DT, Penn State
I hate Devon Still as a player. Do I think he's a first round talent? No. But is he going to go in the first round? Very likely. I'm going to trust Scott's Bronco fandom on this one. Kuechly will give the Broncos a field general next to Von Miller and make that defense even better. 
 
26. Houston Texans: Scott - Reuben Randle, WR, LSU
                                 Adarsh - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Texans' main need is a WR across from Andre Johnson. I'm not that high on Randle and I think Jeffery could be the steal of his draft. 
 
27. New England Patriots - Scott: Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
                                           Adarsh: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
While it's highly unlikely that DeCastro falls this far, he's a perfect Belichek value pick. The Gilmore pick is a lot more likely as the Patriots' defense was some ishhh last season.
  
28. Green Bay Packers - Scott: Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson
                                       Adarsh: Vinny Curry, OLB, Marshall
After a disappointing end to the season, the Packers retool on defense and add a playmaking pass rusher next to Clay Matthews. I feel Curry has more potential to be an explosive pass rusher, while 
 Scott feels otherwise. Just that simple.

I have Curry going in the first round, while Scott has him going in the second

29. Baltimore Ravens - Scott: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
                                    Adarsh: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College 
Both these picks make sense for the Ravens. Birk coming back last year might have saved the Ravens season from collapsing, but he's no spring chicken. Konz is an immediate starter at center for "franchise quarterback" Joe Flacco. Kuechly could end up replacing Ray Lewis whenever he retires or he could supplant Jameel McClain.

30. San Francisco 49ers - Scott: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
                                         Adarsh: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
While offensive line is a certain possibility here, getting targets for Alex Smith/Peyton Manning is definitely a priority. Fleener would become the second tight end in the offense following the league wide trend. Jeffery is also a very good option here as Michael Crabtree hasn't exactly set the world on fire since he was drafted.

31. New England Patriots - Scott: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
                                           Adarsh: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Cox would switch to defensive end in the 3-4 and Barron would continue to revamp the Patriots secondary.

32. New York Giants - Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
Leave it to the Giants to make a strength an even bigger strength by drafting Brown. Brown adds some versatility to that defense in a division, which suddenly has four elite quarterbacks.

Brown joined with Coples on the UNC defense

Round 2 (These are Scott's picks. I'm too lazy to do another round...right now)

33. Rams - Devon Still, DT, Penn State
34. Colts - Alonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
35. Vikings - Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State
36. Buccaneers - David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
37. Browns - Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
38. Jaguars - Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
39. Rams - Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
40. Panthers - Jerrell Worthy, DT, Michigan State
41. Bills - Zebrie Sanders, OT, FSU
42. Seahawks - Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska
43. Chiefs - Alamade Ta'amu, DT, Washington
44. Cowboys - James Brown, OL, Troy
45. Eagles - Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama
46. Jets - Kelechi, Osemele, G, Iowa State
47. Patriots - Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
48. Chargers - Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
49. Bears - Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
50. Eagles - Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State
51. Titans - Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn
52. Bengals - Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
53. Lions - Brandon Worthington, OG, Miami
54. Falcons - Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
55. Steelers - Brandon Thompson, NT, Clemson
56. Broncos - Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
57. Texans - Jared Crick, DL, Nebraska
58. Saints - Vinny Curry, OLB, Marshall
59. Packers - Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma
60. Ravens - Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia
61. 49ers - Chase Minnfield, CB, Virginia
62. Patriots - Chandler Jones, OLB, Syracuse
63. Giants - Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

The Rob Golden Interview: Golden discusses the NFL Draft and the end of the Mike Stoops Era

After interviewing Rob Golden, the former University of Arizona defensive back, with Scott Porter of www.newerascouting.com, I was blown away - not only because of how grounded Golden was, but also because of his knowledge of the game.

Here's the link for the interview: http://www.mediafire.com/?t5putjfk8uywsu5.

Once again, just bear with us as these interviews become better over time.

Golden is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft.