Jared Gaither was a monster lineman at Maryland.
It’s no secret that the Washington Redskins are putting all their chips on the table to make a run in the uncapped 2010 NFL season. It’s also no secret that the Baltimore Ravens have been shopping Maryland standout offensive tackle Jared Gaither. If the season started today, the Skins would have to start 26 year old bust Stephon Hyer at RT and, most likely, the unremarkable D’Anthony Batiste at LT. It’s common consensus that the Skins have a glaring need for new tackles to protect veteran QB Donavan McNabb.
Put two-and-two together, and one can conclude that the Skins are most likely pursuing Gaither. Gaither is a pro bowl talent and the best offensive lineman available right now. The Skins have been actively trying to tie disgruntled Albert Haynesworth to any trade they execute. I would think that they are offering Haynesworth and a second round pick for Gaither, which is more than most teams are likely going to give up. If all these assumptions prove correct, it’s likely that the only thing standing between Gaither and the Burgundy & Gold is a blessing on the trade by Ed Reed and Ray Lewis.
If a move is to come, expect it to come before tomorrow’s NFL Draft. If the Skins get Gaither it will free them up to draft a QB at the #4 spot, and that pick would likely be Notre Dame’s Jimmy Claussen. The right thing to do would be to trade for Gaither and draft OT Russel Okung from Oklahoma State, but I can’t see Dan Snyder doing the right thing here.
Another standout offensive lineman, and my favorite Maryland player, Bruce Campbell will be on the move this week. Most projections have Campbell listed as the #8 pick by the Oakland Raiders. If that comes to fruition, Campbell could join Darrius Heyward-Bey as Maryland players that the Raiders have selected in the first round. They must have a lot of scouts in College Park.
Who knows? Maybe the Skins will trade down and take Campbell themselves. It’s unlikely, but it would be great to see Gaither and Campbell both playing in D.C. If that happened, the Skins would have two monsters lined-up on either side of McNabb.
