FanHouse RockyMcintosh

With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.

The Redskins made the biggest early splash this offseason, luring beastly defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth from Tennessee to anchor their defensive line. Their work, however, is not done. Unfortunately for Washington, it plays in arguably the best division in the NFL. Fortunately, the few holes the Redskins still have on their roster should be perfectly fixable. In fact, many could be done in-house, with younger players developing further.

Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.

The Redskins stormed out of the gate in Jim Zorn's first season as head coach, running their record to 6-2 at the halfway point. The second half of the season, unfortunately, was perfectly symmetrical -- they went 2-6 to finish 8-8.

They could have won three of those games in best-case scenarios, but the best teams come through instead of talking about what could have been. The reality is that the Redskins only played a half-season in '08.

Training camps are underway, the NFL season is right around the corner, and to get you ready for 2008, FanHouse previews all 32 teams, "heat index" style. We'll rate each club in 10 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Quarterback: The young Jason Campbell made some nice strides last year ... but had a huge problem holding onto the ball too long. His fumbles, unnecessary sacks and bad decisions led to some poor end-of-game situations. Now with Jim Zorn calling the shots, Campbell will be in his 7th different system in eight years (counting his time at Auburn). Now he will be learning the West Coast offense that takes QBs a while to learn. Backup Todd Collins was golden in his duties last year and it was a bit of a surprise that he re-upped in Washington again. Colt Brennan is a project as the No. 3. Heat Index: 5

Running Back: Heading into last year, many people figured that the Redskins would go to a dual-back system. Didn't happen. Clinton Portis (who is always nicked up) brought it all season long, taking his place near the top of the yardage and TD rankings. Ladell Betts wasn't bad or anything -- he just didn't get the opportunities to shine as he did in 2006. Still, Betts is a very serviceable backup who could get more touches if Zorn really does want to run the football. Heat Index: 8

We reported yesterday in the FanHouse that the Bears want Lance Briggs back for 2007, but aren't interested in giving him a long-term contract. We've also mentioned that Chicago and Washington have been discussing a trade involving Briggs and first-round picks (the Redskins have the sixth-overall selection; the Bears pick 31st). Well, the two teams are at stage two of the negotiations, and things just got a little more complicated:

Sources said the Bears will ask the Redskins for a player in addition to the sixth pick, which they likely would trade to stockpile more first-day draft picks.

Wow. In addition to the No. 6 pick, the Bears also want a warm body? In exchange for the 31st pick and Lance Briggs? Sounds kinda steep, but I understand the thinking.

If Chicago's going to lose one of their best players -- and they currently don't have a viable replacement on the roster -- it makes sense to try to fill the position. There are no linebackers worthy of the sixth pick in the draft, and according to the article, the Bears could ask that Lemar Marshall or Rocky McIntosh be part of any trade. Marshall, who will go from 2006 starter to 2007 backup (with the addition of London Fletcher-Baker) seems more likely since the Redskins gave up two picks to draft McIntosh in last year's second round. Frankly, Chicago's asking price seems steep, but Washington has a history of overpaying for talent.