Change the color of the helemet and darken the jersey and you have the Redskins 2011 starter. Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
Listen, being an NFL general manager is not an easy job. If it were, you wouldn't see as many draft and free agent busts in the NFL.
It's tough, and one only becomes the best by putting in the office hours and doing as much scouting as they can.
With that said, I think I may have solved the Redskins' quarterback problem.
As of right now a lot of experts, writers, scouts and unnamed GMs are saying that they really don't think any of the top quarterback prospects in this years draft are going to be impact starters immediately.
That's not saying they won't be down the line, but since the Redskins don't have a true starting QB (base on the theory that Donovan McNabb won't be wearing burgundy and gold next season), drafting someone to be the backup with the 10th overall pick would be foolish.
Especially when you consider the inconsistency of Rex Grossman; Mike Shanahan might have to sit him down for a game or two and put in a not-so-ready rookie.
So what should the Redskins do?
I'm glad you asked.
If he isn't resigned by the San Fransisco 49ers, I'd go after Alex Smith.
I know, I know, "he's a bust," "his record is terrible," "blah blah blah," I've heard it all.
I could run down the reasons why I like Smith, but I did that in a previous article (look it up if you like).
But of all the bright spots I think Smith has, the one thing I like the most about him over Rex is that he's mobile.
Shanny loves to run bootlegs and Smith is at his best when he's outside the pocket (a lot like Aaron Rodgers), and with the rebuilding of the offensive line still ongoing the Skins need a quarterback who can extend a play when the pocket breaks down.
With Smith on the roster, the Redskins won't feel the pressure to draft a quarterback this year (at least not with their first three picks) and can focus on building up both the offense and defensive lines, as well as looking at wide receivers and safeties.
If the Redskins were to do this then they would have added even more pieces to their puzzle that has many holes.
With fewer holes for the 2012 draft, the Redskins can trade up and get Andrew Luck.
I know that's hard to figure since we have no idea where the Redskins will finish and we don't know who will be at the top of the draft.
Let's assume (I know) that the usual suspects are near the top. Those being the Lions, Panthers and Bills.
The Lions and Bills have their quarterbacks, and the Panthers might take a quarterback with their first pick this year so I highly doubt they'll want to take Luck next season.
So as long as a team who doesn't need a quarterback is picking near the top, the Redskins could surrender a couple of picks to get Luck.
Best case scenario—Smith picks up the system and the Skins do well with him as the starter, they fill other holes with this years draft and are in a position to trade up for Luck.
Worst case scenario—Smith is terrible, the team is terrible, but we've filled up holes by not drafting a QB in 2011 and are in an even better position to draft Luck.
Honestly, I think it's a win-win for the franchise since we're not going to be competing for a Super Bowl in 2011. Fill as many holes in this draft and free agency and gamble on a veteran QB free agent. Either way, with fewer holes to fill next year, you can trade away a couple of picks to snag Luck.
For more brilliant (or not so brilliant thinking) follow me on Twitter (@jomac006).
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