The Washington Redskins pretty much ran up to the podium in New York to select DE/OLB Brian Orakpo earlier today.  He is 6′3″, 255 pounds and he runs a 4.6 40.  Orakpo is a physical freak who should be able to handle the move to outside linebacker for the Redskins.  He played 4 seasons with the Longhorns in Texas appearing in 46 games (21 starts) in which he made 132 tackles, made 38 tackles for a loss, had 22 sacks, batted down six balls, forced 6 fumbles and he also recovered a fumble.  The Redskins have been looking for a young impact defender to build their defense around and Orakpo could be just that guy.

The Redskins have signed 29-year old Mike Williams to a 1-year deal.  Williams is a mountain of a man at 6′6″, 370 pounds.  But, he has not played in the NFL since the 2005 season when he was with the Buffalo Bills.  Williams has played in 51 games (48 starts) in his NFL career but he will still be a long shot to make the Redskins’ opening day roster in September.

The Redskins have signed 31-year old punter Hunter Smith to a 1-year contract.  Smith played in all 16 games last season for the Colts and he punted the ball 53 times for 2,345 yards (44.2 avg).  He only had 2 touchbacks last season (3.8%) and he pinned the opposing team inside the 20-yard line 23 times (43.4%) which are both outstanding numbers.  This was a good need to fill before the Draft tomorrow so that they don’t have to waste a pick on a punter.

The Redskins have signed 28-year old linebacker Robert Thomas to a 1-year, $1.3 million dollar deal.  Thomas played in 2 games for the Raiders last season and he finished with only 2 tackles.  Thomas has now played in 84 games in his 7-year NFL career and he has made 304 tackles, defensed 8 passes, has 2 sacks, forced 4 fumbles and he has a interception.  This was likely a good signing for the Redskins who need some depth at linebacker.