BREAKING NEWS: Redskins Sign 1st Rounder, Orakpo

Happy 23rd birthday to Brian Orakpo! (today!) Coincidentally, Orakpo, one of the last first rounders to sign, has finally reached an agreement on a 5-year contract with the Washington Redskins. Details at this time are not known.

This is absolutely huge for the 13th overall selection and Texas Longhorn, as well as the Redskins. According to Redskins writer, Gary Fitzgerald, defensive coordinator, Greg Blache intends to use Orakpo at both Strong Side Linebacker (on rushing downs) and Left End (on passing downs) with H.B. Blades and Phillip Daniels (Maybe a bit of Kentucky rookie, Jeremy Jarmon) coming in where Rak is not.

Avoiding a holdout (Well, technically, he missed 2 days of camp, but for all intensive purposes...) for Orakpo was critical on many levels as not only does he need to learn Blache's complex defensive schemes, but two positions therein. Envisioned as a DE/LB hybrid, Orakpo has drawn comparisons to Shawne Merriman, Terrell Suggs and DeMarcus Ware.

As of now, here is the Skins' first team defense:

LE: Phillip Daniels

DT: Albert Haynesworth

DT: Cornelius Griffin

RE: Andre Carter

SLB: Brian Orakpo

MLB: London Fletcher

WLB: Rocky McIntosh

CB: DeAngelo Hall

SS: Chris Horton

FS: LaRon Landry

CB: Carlos Rogers

Not one weak spot. Call fan bias if you want, but I expect a top 3 defense.