New Scherff in Town - Washington Selects Top Offensive Lineman at Five

With the fifth overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, Washington selected Brandon Scherff, an offensive tackle from Iowa. The top offensive line prospect according to ESPN's Mel Kiper, Scherff stands at 6 foot 4.5 inches and weighs in at 319 pounds. A tough-nosed, mauler, Scherff will help immediately in the run game, and in pass protection for RG3. He possesses great strength and athleticism having run a 5.05 in the 40 yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Check out some highlights.

Brandon Scherff fits the profile of a run-mauler

How He Fits

The fit for Scherff is obvious. The team has a need at Right Tackle, and head coach Jon Gruden made it clear that Scherff will begin his career on the right side. This will only benefit the team's offensive unit, particularly in the run game. Washington ranked 19th in running offense last season, and both Scot McCloughan and Jay Gruden have made it clear that improving in this area is a top priority. Improving the running game will only help Robert Griffin III, and given that the team picked up his fifth-year option recently, that is a top priority. Scherff will also improve the pass protection, whether he plays outside or inside. Washington ranked second to last with 58 sacks allowed in 2014. 

What It Means

Scot McCloughan demonstrated he is sticking to his draft board. Washington passed on potentially the best player in the draft in Leonard Williams, and given injury concerns, and the additions Washington made in the off-season, defensive line was not a top priority. McCloughan also demonstrated he meant it when he said "we want big, tough, nasty, strong guys." It also may indicate that the number player on their board was Dante Fowler Jr., who went third overall to Jacksonville. For the time being, RG3 seems to be the man in Washington, and McCloughan plans to put the pieces around him to be successful. Generally speaking, you don't take a guard with the fifth overall pick. Could Washington have potentially traded down? Yes. But McCloughan clearly has a plan. Look for them to improve the pass rush, or defensive backfield with their first pick in the second round, depending on the players still available. 

A Look to the Draft - Washington's Top Needs for the NFL Draft

With the NFL Draft coming up this weekend, we'll take a look at the top needs to be filled with their seven picks. Of course there is the possibility, and according to some reports a strong likelihood, that the team trades out of a few spots to land more picks. However, barring a trade, we'll go through the top seven needs for the team, seeing as they won't be able to fill more. Of course, the team may pick multiple players at the same position if their board dictates to do so.

Let's Begin.

First Things First; Pick Best Player Available

Leonard Williams (94, USC) the presumed best player
in this years draft would be a dominant force on the d-line

Early indications are that new general manager Scot McCloughan is of the mindset to pick the best player available, rather than perceived areas of need dictate the players picked. The obvious logic being, if two players are close enough on your big board, you pick the one that fills the biggest area of need. This strategy is a must for a team that has only two positions that don't need improved production; Left Tackle (Trent Williams) and one Outside Linebacker spot (Ryan Kerrigan). For instance, if Leonard Williams (hailed by many as the best pick in the draft) were to fall to them at five, you pick him. Regardless of the off-season additions along the defensive line, Williams could be a transcendent player at the position for years to come. 

1 - Premier Pass Rusher

Emphasis on "pass rusher". This pick may very well be an outside linebacker, or Leonard Williams if he is to fall. Washington ranked tied for 21st in sacks last season with a pedestrian 36. Factor in the departure of Brian Orakpo, and pass rusher is their top need. Picking up a dominant force to pair with Ryan Kerrigan will go a long way in improving a pass defense that ranked 24th in yards allowed with 3990, and even more troubling, tied for last in yards per attempt with 8.2. Last years pick of Trent Murphy gives the team flexibility as they can opt for a pass-rusher who lacks a complete game and needs time to develop in other areas such as Eli Harold out of Virginia.

2 - Offensive Tackle

Now this depends on where they see Morgan Moses and Tom Compton fitting in, in both the long and short-term, however the right tackle spot needs a massive upgrade. Too often last season, were all three quarterbacks under pressure off the snap from the right side. Either you pick a player who can come in and compete for a starting job, or someone who you plan on developing. You can never have enough options at tackle.

Goldson signed this offseason

3 - Developmental Safety

With the additions of Dashon Goldson and Jeron Johnson in free agency, Washington has upgraded their last line of defense. However, it is unclear how Johnson will play in a starting role, and how much longer Goldson can play at a starting level. Goldson could see an uptick in production, due to a change in scenery, but he'll be 31 in September, and an heir-apparent is necessary.

4 - 3rd Down Running Back 

Alfred Morris has provided excellent production over his first three seasons as a pro, but there's no guarantee that Scot McCloughan sees him as his back of the future, particularly given the shift to a predominately power blocking scheme. Look for Washington to pick a complete back to succeed Morris, or at the very least a 3rd down back, a position they badly need better production from.

5 - Interior Lineman

Kory Lichtensteiger, has been adequate, if unspectacular, at center, but Washington needs better production from both guard spots. Chris Chester's best days are long behind him, and Shaun Lauvo was a big disappointment his first year in Washington, given the contract he signed. Spencer Long is a candidate for an expanded role, but as with tackles, you can never have enough young lineman to develop. Expect Scot McCloughan to go after some "mean and nasty" men inside to help shift to a power blocking scheme.

6 - Wide Receiver

Amari Cooper (9, Alabama) and Kevin White (11, West Virginia)
are seen as 1 and 1a at wide receiver in this year's NFL Draft

This may be a head scratcher to some, particularly with Pierre Garcon, Desean Jackson, and Andre Roberts on the roster. However, Garcon has a huge cap hit next season, while Roberts disappointed in his first season. Ryan Grant is a young guy to keep an eye on, but don't be shocked if Washington selects West Virginia's Kevin White or Alabama's Amari Cooper with the fifth overall pick if Leonard Williams and their top rated pass-rushers are gone. Look for them at the very least to pick a developmental player in later rounds in a draft that is stacked with wide receiver talent.

7 - Cornerback

Washington has solid depth at the cornerback position with the acquisition of Chris Culliver and the return of Deangelo Hall from injury. However, questions remain as to the top end talent they have at the position. Bashaud Breeland had flashes in his rookie season, while David Amerson failed to show the development they expected in his second year. Look for Washington to look for a developmental player in later rounds, or a top tier talent if someone like Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson or Connecticut's Byron Jones is available when they pick in the second round.

Note: Quarterback is a glaring need in Washington. Whether the franchise guy is on the roster remains to be seen, but the fact of the matter is RG3 is the guy for now. This team has too many holes to pick anything more than a qb to develop and stick on the practice squad, unless he is 100% believed to be their guy. Picking up RG3's fifth year rookie option also makes picking a quarterback in the first few rounds unlikely.

Nat's Comeback Win - Sign of Things to Come

Dan Uggla (26) blasts go-ahead 3-run home run in 9th inning of last nights
come from behind win. Uggla went 3-5 with 5 RBIs

It's not time to hit the panic button in Washington -- just yet. Despite a troubling start by the pre-season World Series favorites, last night's 13-12, come from behind win over the division rival Braves is the best thing the National's could have asked for. Yes, they still remain 7 games back from the division leading Mets, but with May right around the corner, there is still plenty of time to overcome that gap. Currently, the National's would have to play .560 baseball to catch the Mets if they were to play .500 baseball, a generous low-bar for a team with one of the most underrated rotations in the majors. 

After last night's game, it seems the turnaround Nat's fans have been waiting for is not far off. For one, their hitting at .224/.297/.668 line, still down from last year's .253/.321/.714 line. Last night, the club hit .375 with four walks, but more importantly a much better average with runners in scoring position, a problem that has nagged at this team to start the past three seasons. Considering Rendon is still on his way back, and Jayson Werth is still getting up to speed, these numbers should improve drastically. Additionally, the club has a 3.81 ERA and WHIP of 1.44, far above their 3.03 and 1.16 averages in 2014. When relief pitcher Aaron Barrett leads the team in wins with two, there is a problem. These numbers should also improve for a rotation that is, at the very least, just as good as last years. Let's not forget, this is a team that had 8 walk-off or overtime wins in the month of August alone in 2014. Last night was a demonstration of this team's focus; play good baseball and the wins will come. Over the first month of the season, we've been expecting for things to go wrong. After coming back from a 9-2 deficit to win, we can start expecting for things to go right again.

Spring Cleaning - John Wall Leads Surging Wizards to First 4-Game Postseason Sweep in Franchise History

John Wall, just 24 years old, has led the Washington Wizards to the first
four game postseason sweep in franchise history.

Getting complacent when leading, giving up on games when behind, and a dismal record against playoff bound teams. All were red flags for the Washington Wizards heading into their first round series with the Toronto Raptors, a team they had gone 0-3 against in the regular season by an average of 9 points. During the best of seven series, the first sweep in franchise history, the Wizards displayed none of their regular season issues. Team defense, unselfish offense, and an intensity reserved for a team with a chip on their shoulder is what got it done. Fueling the surge was the face of the franchise, 2010 1st overall pick John Wall. Wall is playing like the best all-around point guard in the league in the postseason so far. Averaging 18.3 points per game to go along with 13.3 assists, Wall leads second place James Harden in dimes by a whopping 4.6 per game. Combined with his defensive prowess, it's easy to see why the Wizards have been so effective. In Sunday's game Wall tallied 14 points and 10 assists, while making all 7 of his attempted free throws, in just 25 minutes of play. 

Otto Porter Jr (22) goes for rebound with Marcin Gortat (4) in
 first half of Sunday's series clinching win over Toronto (credit ESPN)

Despite being the catalyst, Wall isn't the only reason the Wizards have looked like one of the top teams in this years NBA Playoffs. Bradley Beal has been stellar in all aspects of the game, Marcin Gortat has been a presence inside offensively and defensively, and Paul Pierce has provided the veteran presence and clutch shooting he was brought to Washington for. But perhaps the biggest x-factor, has been Otto Porter Jr. Averaging 32 minutes a game, Porter has added 9.5 points and just over 7 rebounds while shooting 55.6% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc. This coming from a guy who averaged 19 minutes, 6 points, and 3 rebounds per game on 45% shooting (33.7% from beyond the arc) this season, all career highs. Porter's development, long awaited in Washington, is making a promising young squad's future look even brighter. Continued production from him will be essential to Washington's next series against the winner of the Atlanta-Brooklyn series, currently at two games to one.

"The Truth" Will Set DC Free

"DAGGER!" It seems as though there may have been a collective chant across Washington of Steve Buckhantz's classic exclamation after the man known as "The Truth" hit the third of his four threes to put the Wiz up 98-90 with 1:58 left to play against the Toronto Raptors. Pierce would go on to hit two free throws and sink another "dagger" to seal the victory that would put the Wizards up three games to none in their first round series in the NBA playoffs. "That's why I'm here." That's what Paul Pierce believes; and his play on the court would suggest. Pierce has played an immense role in two of the Wizards three postseason games to date. Yet, if asked this summer, many would have claimed his best basketball was behind him.

"That's Why I'm Here" 

Pierce was brought to Washington this past offseason on a modest two year deal. The move was hailed as a solid one. Washington got the veteran, playoff tested presence it sorely needed, while at the same time replacing departed veteran swingman Trevor Ariza. The deal did not cost Washington much, not nearly the sum it would have cost to keep Ariza, while maintaining the kind of financial flexibility a team chasing Kevin Durant would need come 2016. The veteran impact Paul Pierce has had off the court, and in the locker room has been quite apparent (I wrote earlier about who this reminded me of from the GoT realm). However, until the start of the playoffs, we hadn't yet seen why he was here. The confidence exuded by Pierce is undeniable, as exhibited by the ability to hit key, contested shots on the big stage. And that confidence has rubbed off. Primarily on Otto Porter Jr, who has played in the playoffs the way Washington expected when drafting him third overall in 2013. With a second round series against the top seeded Atlanta Hawks almost guaranteed, we'll continue to see if "The Truth" can set this youthful squad free to play contender level basketball.

Zimmerman A Revelation at First

Ask any Nationals fan and it was an inevitable move, Zimmerman to first. Yet, some would probably be surprised how quickly it happened. Many third basemen have made the move in an attempt to prolong their career, so it was only logical that the National's first draft pick since returning to DC would make the move as well. With the emergence of Anthony Rendon, and Zimmerman's difficulty throwing in the past two seasons, Zimmerman was moved to first this year after the departure of Adam LaRoche to Chicago. 

Zimmerman's offense has always been a boon. A career .285 hitter, Zimmerman already has 12 RBI's in 12 games this season, despite an uncharacteristic .228 batting average. Before the past few seasons, Zimmerman's fielding was equally impressive, as he played at a Gold Glove level in 2009. The move to first has precipitated a return to Gold Glove form, as Zimmerman is yet to record an error, and has already flashed a myriad of web gems including this diving catch on April 17. If Zimmerman's bat can come around in the next few weeks, he could find himself back in the All-Star Game for the first time since 2009. 

Escobar Trade Paying Early Dividends

Tyler Clippard traded to Oakland this winter for Yunel Escobar

Flexibility. That's what Yunel Escobar brought the Washington National's on paper. Earlier this year, the National's traded set-up man, and all-around solid reliever Tyler Clippard for Escobar, whose primary position is shortstop. Clippard, whose sports glasses have become iconic in Washington since he was acquired from the New York Yankees, was not easy to part with. But, with the addition of Tanner Roark in the bullpen, and the already stellar rotation, the benefit Escobar outweighed the loss of Clippard.

It's clear what Escobar brought the National's on paper. Escobar has already played great at third while Anthony Rendon recovers from a sprained MCL suffered in March, recording only one error to date. He'll slide into the second base spot once Rendon returns, and offers the ability to grant off days to both Ian Desmond and Rendon without forcing reserves Danny Espinosa or Dan Uggla to play out of position. Escobar even gives the Nationals flexibility in the coming offseason. If Desmond walks in free agency, Escobar will still be under contract for another season, giving Washington the opportunity to look for a new second baseman or shortstop.

Pleasantly however, Escobar has provided some much needed pop in the line-up as the Nationals try to get 100% healthy. Already with a lead-off home run, and Tuesday night's walk-off home run in the 10th inning, Escobar is hitting .280 with an OPS just below .800. A career .276 hitter, Escobar has shown the ability to come up big in the clutch, including his two-out, three RBI double in the 3rd inning of last nights game with the St. Louis Cardinals. Coming up big in the clutch will be huge in the playoffs if the Nationals are to live up to their preseason billing.

Desi's Big Game A Sign, Slump Is Over

Not pretty. You'd probably get this, or a similar response, if you asked someone to describe the first two weeks of the Washington National's, and more specifically shortstop Ian Desmond's season. The World Series Favorites got off to a less than stellar start, going 2-6 and giving up 10 unearned runs, while Desmond committed 6 fielding errors. It took him until late April to tally as many last season; a season that started over a week earlier than this years. Suffice it to say, baseball fans know we only really pay attention to April baseball so far as it affects our fantasy team. There is no need to worry. Despite a tantalizing start by the division rival Mets, since getting Jayson Werth back healthy, the Nationals have pulled to .500. With Anthony Rendon still on the mend, and Denard Span and Werth still getting their swings back, the Nationals still look like the best candidate to come out of the NL East.

But where does that leave Desmond? After starting the season batting .115 through 7 games, Desmond has been on a tear. He comes into tonights matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals batting a team leading .304 with a .364 OBP and OPS of over .800. More importantly however, is the confidence with which Desmond is fielding. Despite early struggles, and visible frustration on the field, Desmond made several terrific plays, turning two double plays and turning in this web gem. Confidence can go a long way in a 162 game season. Tuesday night showed us, Desmond's got his back.

A Song of District Sports - DC Sports Icons That Remind Us of Westeros

It's been 24 years since a D.C team has been crowned champion in one of the four major sports (props to D.C United for an extended period of success). In honor of the season premier of season five of HBO's Game of Thrones series, we take a look at several D.C sports icons that remind us of those battling to sit the Iron Throne.

Paul Pierce - Sir Barristan Selmy

Once respected as one of the greatest knights in the NBA, the man known as "The Truth" can still handle his own in the league. Like Selmy, Pierce's skills are quite diminished, but that doesn't prevent him from being one of the most respected men in the realm. Once a key component of a powerful dynasty, each man has assumed the role of mentor for a young leader of the next generation of competitors for a crown.

Alex Ovechkin - Bronn

Perhaps the most skilled warrior on the ice, Ovechkin makes it look easy, sometimes taking on multiple men and able to be effective from his backside. Like Bronn, he has used his unique skill set to strike it rich, while dispensing his foes with ease. However, what both men truly seek is a title.

Bryce Harper - Jaime Lannister

Both revered for their skill from a young age, Jaime and Bryce have yet to live up to the hype. Hard on the outside, but more endearing once you get to know them, each man is looking to find his place among the greats. Following hand surgery last season, Bryce Harper now dons a protective glove when running the base paths, eerily similar to the golden hand of Sir Jaime.

London Fletcher - Stannis Baratheon

Shying from the spotlight, duty is what guides Stannis Baratheon. The realm has never seen a more gifted tactician. The same can be said of London Fletcher. He always had a knack for dissecting his opponents, and putting his allies in a position to reap big rewards. 

John Wall - Arya Stark

He won't overpower you, and neither will Arya. However, underestimate Wall and his speed and finesse can be deadly. With seasoning, Wall has developed a game with many faces, that is hard to predict, and defend. Both Arya and John's ability to adjust on the fly has led to deadly results.

Robert Griffin III - Sansa Stark

Once the darling of the realm, both RG3 and Sansa's fairy tail start in their respective capitol have come to a screeching halt. After his failed marriage to Mike Shanahan, we'll see if RG3 can adapt his strategy and learn how to truly be a player for the throne of NFL excellence. If he can follow in Sansa's footsteps, we could see this primaddona truly turn into a contender. (Can we all agree a comparison to Bran's mangled legs was too easy?)

Albert Haynesworth - Robert Baratheon

In their youth, each of these two was a terror on the battlefield. Both Haynesworth and Baratheon were two of the most feared warriors in their respective realm. However, after being crowned (most expensive contract for a defensive player), sloth got the better of each man. A shadow of their former selves in athleticism and motivation one would only expect the realm to improve after their departure from it. Yet, both Washington and Westeros are still embroiled in chaos.