There are two heads of state in Washington DC. One lives in the White House; the other resides in Landover, Maryland at FedEx Field. Approval ratings are everything. If things stay positive expect another term.

Washingtonians grill their incumbent quarterback as hard as they do their president. Success is the only option; failure is a quick ticket out of town.

For Redskins’ current starting QB Jason Campbell “the future is now.” This year is the last in his contract, and as of yet he has done nothing to merit a new one.

Campbell has the poise and arm strength, but he has struggled with consistency since assuming the starting position. Each year since 2006, Campbell has failed to make significant steps forward into becoming more than an average starter in the NFL.

Last year, Campbell opened the first half of the year by throwing no interceptions. However, he threw just eight touchdown passes to match that. His inability to lead scoring drives was overlooked until the struggles began.

The second half of the season, Campbell threw five touchdowns compared to six interceptions. Washington went 2-6, largely due to the offense and its lack of ball movement.

Campbell appeared unable to sustain any type of rhythm after week eight against Detroit. His solid completion percentage of 62.3% was skewed by his low yards per completion (6.4).

Campbell is the type of QB who will play it safe. He isn’t comfortable in a game where he has to stretch the field often. He likes to keep things in the flats, but that unimaginative style won’t win him many games or fans.

Campbell’s big windup and slow progression through his reads also work against him. Jim Zorn’s west coast offense demands a quick release and a swift progression through the reads. Campbell has struggled to pick up that rhythmic approach and he must work on improving those aspects of his game.

If Campbell wants another term in DC, he will need to deliver not just wins, but post some good numbers. If he is unable to make defenses respect the air attack, then the ‘Skins will have to look to Clinton Portis and their defense to bail them out.

The ‘Skins have three other QBs on the roster. Todd Collins led Washington to the playoffs in 2007 when Campbell was sidelined with an injury, but he succeeded largely due to his familiarity with Al Saunders’ offense.

Now Zorn is running the offense and Collins appeared uncomfortable with the west coast scheme last preseason. Throw in the fact that he’s 37, and Collins has little value despite his big contract.

Expect Collins to compete for the backup role and mentor the other three quarterbacks who are all in their twenties.

Colt Brennan will be competing for the backup job this year after tearing through the 2008 preseason. Brennan is better suited to the west coast offense with his quick release. He showed plenty of poise and confidence last year. He knows how to sling it around from his run-and-shoot days in Hawaii, and is very mobile in the pocket.

Of course, Hawaii isn’t a pro style offense, but Brennan certainly seemed comfortable last year in the preseason. Fans are clamoring for Brennan to start and should Campbell fail yet again, Brennan could see some time late in the year.

No one knows if Brennan can succeed against elite competition. At Hawaii he played the bottom feeders of college football and he beat up on third-stringers last preseason. Still he possesses a certain swagger that entices many people to believe he’ll succeed wherever he goes.

Brennan is definitely the most intriguing prospect on the Redskins list of QBs, but Chase Daniel is also a captivating player.

Daniel is an undrafted free agent rookie out of Missouri, but he was certainly spectacular in college. He threw for 12,515 yards for a completion percentage of 68.0 while tossing 101 touchdowns during his career at Mizzou.

Daniel was a Heisman finalist in 2007 as well and, like Brennan, has a sort of cult following. Both players were exciting and skilled in college, but they have been labeled system quarterbacks, too short (in Daniel’s case), and untested by elite talent (in Brennan’s case).

However, the potential each displayed in college consistently showed up every Saturday and both could be surprise candidates for a starting job down the road.

Overall QB grade: C+

It’s all potential, really. Campbell could pan out with some improved mechanics and renewed aggression, but he hasn’t looked special in his time with Washington.

Collins is nothing but an overpriced backup. There’s chance he won’t even make the roster if both Daniel and Brennan outplay him in the preseason.

Brennan and Daniel are certainly exciting options, but they both haven’t been highly touted as future stars. The cold reality is that Brennan was a sixth round pick and Daniel was never drafted. More often than not that’s an indicator that neither will amount to much in the NFL.

Malcolm Kelly is back and looking good according to several publications. Here's the other.

It's vital that someone step up and fill the role of possession receiver. Devin Thomas saw more time last year, but Kelly might have more potential to be a possession receiver and red zone target.

Chris Cooley has shed some 20-odd pounds, but hasn't lost his strength. Expect to see a faster Cooley this year. It will be interesting to see if Fred Davis can make some strides forward and allow Jim Zorn to use some two tight end sets.

OC Sherman Smith praised Ladell Betts of all people. I'll believe it when I see it. To me Betts is injury and fumble prone. I would love to see the 'Skins get rid of his big contract and bring in Marcus Mason.

James Thrash is pondering retirement. The guy has been a class act in both Philly and here in DC. He works hard on offense and special teams. He certainly isn't a household name, but he's a solid player. I'm not sure he would have made the team this year, but he has played well throughout his career.

This is so huge for the Redskins. A punter! Smith brings a lot to the table. Here's my take on him in one of my articles for Bleacher Report.

As for the returning duties on punts, Deangelo Hall, Antwaan Randle El, and Santana Moss are all seeing some reps. Moss might be the best option, but Skins don't want him to get injured returning kicks. Moss is injury prone so expect him to possibly just return the most important punts.

Jon Jansen’s release from the Washington Redskins brings the end of an era. Granted, it wasn’t the golden age of football for Washington, not even close to it, but Jansen represents the hard work and work ethic that fans see year after year from the offensive line here.

In DC, we treasure the guys who will put their noses in the dirt and play tough in the trenches. Jansen was the prototypical “Hog.” He played at a high level from his rookie year in 1999 all the way to 2007 despite numerous injuries that would have derailed many other players’ careers.

He tore an achilles, broke a leg, dislocated an ankle; two season-ending injuries. He played a full season with both his thumbs in casts, and managed to play one game with a torn calf.

That’s the kind of blue-collar play the ‘Skins could use all the time. Unfortunately, the injuries caught up to Jansen last year and he saw his performance drop off the face of the earth.

It was only a matter of time before Jansen was let go. Perhaps it was a season too soon, but quite honestly Jansen has nothing left in the tank. The only question was did the ‘Skins feel fine with their other options at right tackle?

Apparently, the ‘Skins are comfortable with starting either Mike Williams, Stephon Heyer, or Jeremy Bridges at RT. All three are probably better options than Jansen, and they had several months of OTAs and minicamps to see that.

The ‘Skins might have already known that Jansen’s time was done, but waited to cut him so they wouldn’t absorb a cap hit until after the draft and free agency. They gave him a shot at backup center in the meantime, but evidently they saw that he wouldn’t be worth a roster spot considering his big contract.

Jansen’s presence will be missed. He was a natural leader who was a big part of the franchise. However, he just didn’t have enough to offer in terms of on-field performance.

Some thought he would compete for the right tackle spot again, but now it’s left to the aforementioned three to battle it out.

Williams weighs in around 400 pounds, but is working down to a playing weight of 370. If he puts in the work (and that’s a big if), he could emerge as a force especially in the run game. For now he’s a former first round bust though.

Bridges has seen some action back in his days with the Carolina Panthers, but will probably earn a roster spot for depth purposes and see time backing up either Heyer or Williams.

Heyer has the inside track. Offensive line coach, Joe Bugel, loves him and has since his rookie year in 2007. In 2007, Heyer proved he could play with the big boys by shutting down Michael Strahan and only giving up one sack to Jason Taylor (when Taylor wa actually good). 2008 was a down year because of injuries, but Heyer had won the RT job over Jansen before getting hurt.

Heyer is back and reportedly impressing the coaching staff again. Expect him to win the job provided he has a strong preseason. If he can improve upon his 2007 performance, the Redskins might not be in so much trouble when it come to protecting for Jason Campbell.

Jansen was signed by the Lions so he will return to his native Michigan, but to us in DC, Jansen will always be a member of the Burgundy and Gold. Thanks for the dedication and hard work, Jon! We can only hope your replacement puts in half the effort you did.

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

Brian Orakpo was brought in by the Washington Redskins to bolster an anemic pass rush. Now, He may end up playing primarily at strong side linebacker.

Not what was expected, but it could end being a great move.

The coaching staff has been moving Orakpo between defensive end and OLB. Defensive end is his natural position, but the ‘Skins seem to feel that they have more of a need for an OLB.

Orakpo has the athleticism to play OLB. He possesses great acceleration and quickness, but will take time to develop at linebacker.

Defensive coordinator Greg Blache will get instant production from Orakpo at DE. At LB, expect a larger learning curve, which could prevent Orakpo from contributing consistently in 2009.

So the question begs: Will the Redskins sacrifice what Orakpo can provide at DE to fill a need at LB?

Should Orakpo play LB, it would most likely be on first and second down. On third downs, he would get in a three point stance at DE to give the Redskins four legitimate pass rushers on the defensive line.

Blache would be wise to draw up plays which would enable Orakpo to rush the passer from his two point stance at LB on some first and second downs. The Redskins have long been without a pass rushing linebacker, and Orakpo would cause nightmares for opposing blocking assignments.

However, pass rushing isn’t the main responsibility for the strong side linebacker in Blache’s system. Orakpo must brush up on his skills in coverage in order to man up on backs and tight ends.

Marcus Washington’s bum hamstring and HB Blades’ lack of speed put the Redskins at a disadvantage in pass coverage on the strong side last season. Orakpo has the talent to give the ‘Skins an upgrade there and so it’s simply a matter of how quickly he can learn the different coverage schemes.

When and if Orakpo lines up at linebacker, Phillip Daniels will take his spot on the defensive line. Daniels lacks the ability to get to the quarterback, but is one of the stronger run-stopping defensive ends on the team. Don’t expect to see Daniels on the field for passing downs as Orakpo will move into his spot, most likely making way for HB Blades at OLB.

There is a chance Blades will end up starting on the strong side, meaning the entire transition for Orakpo turns into how quickly he can adapt to the pro game at defensive end. A less complicated scenario and one that will maximize the strength of the front four.

Orakpo rushing off the edge with Andre Carter on the other side could be a deadly combination. Quarterbacks can no longer step up in the pocket away from the defensive ends due to the presence of Albert Haynesworth in the middle. If Haynesworth and the committee of other defensive tackles can penetrate up the middle, the Redskins will see a huge increase in sacks this season.

Either way Blache looks at the Orakpo situation there are positives. That comes with a player of his caliber. Good things will happen no matter where he lines up. It’s just a matter of putting him in a position to play the best game possible from a team standpoint.

When all is said and done, I see Orakpo being one of the more successful first round draft picks Washington has scooped up in years. Physical freaks like him don’t fail if they keep up a tireless work ethic and continue to improve in their knowledge of the game.

Expect Orakpo to do just that.

So the Skins filled some needs rather than going for the big splash. Sure it wasn't O-line, but something tells me that Brian Orakpo is going to be a special player.

When I saw that he was going to fall to us, I decided I really wouldn't mind if we passed on Oher. After all both tackle and DE were big needs... And Orakpo is the better prospect.

The guy is an absolute monster. He's fast, strong, and plays with a passion that doesn't come around too often. He's a workout warrior who looks like he merits all the hype.

Imagine putting him next to Albert Haynesworth with Andre Carter on the other side. That's a great line. It certainly makes up for the release of Jason Taylor.

Now the Skins have themselves some star power and depth behind it on the D-line. Haynesworth and Griffin have plenty behind them to rotate in while Renaldo Wynn, Chris Wilson and Phillip Daniels will back up at DE. Daniels and Wynn both play the run well meaning Orakpo may see some time at LB on first and second down.

With Rocky McIntosh possibly moving over to replace Marcus Washington at the strong side LB, the Skins picked up a couple of LB later in the draft. Cody Glenn from Nebraska and Robert Henson from TCU will compete for time with veteran HB Blades.

The defense is looking beastly. If the Skins can see this pass rush on paper translate to the field, then this defense could go from being solid to spectacular. They have playmakers all over the field. Deangelo Hall has a nose for the ball and Laron Landry has shown flashes of ballhawking ability. The whole secondary might find it a little easier to generate turnovers with this front seven.

Adding Kevin Barnes was also a great move. He has high upside and could compete for the nickel spot with Fred Smoot.

However, the Skins really didn't address O-line and they need to. I know they added tackle Mike Williams, the former first-round pick out of Texas, but the guy is a bust. He checked into Redskins Park weighing a massive 410 pounds. The guy is lazy and has zero work ethic. He won't make it past training camp and if he does then there's something wrong.

So, in essence, the Skins have sent out a big "screw you" to Jason Campbell. He won't be around next year if his supporting cast fails to step up.

The O-line didn't hold up last year, and they are another year older this year so will there be a change? Derrick Dockery will upgrade the interior, but there's still that pesky right tackle spot. Jon Jansen and Stephon Heyer aren't starting caliber tackles, but they will need to combine to be so if Campbell wants time in the pocket.

Looking long-term, it was great to see the Skins hang on to their picks for next year and avoid Mark Sanchez. The guy would be a cap burden and would have required a bunch of picks in order to move up and select him. Maybe the Jets just saved the Skins from themselves by outbidding or maybe the Skins were simply smart; either way the outcome is good.

The Skins also added punter Hunter Smith this week. This could very well be the most underrated signing of the offseason and I'll break it down in the coming days.

NFL.com has the story. It appears Jason Campbell will rightfully throw in the towel should the Skins spurn him in favor of USC draftee Mark Sanchez.

I can't believe the 'Skins are considering this with all the talents that could be coming their way. Michael Crabtree could be taking a fall while Brian Orakpo's status isn't set in stone either. Either one would be better that Sanchez.

Still with four or five top notch offensive tackles out there, I can't help but think the Skins should roll with whichever falls to them. Right tackle is the biggest need with DE coming in at a close second.

The draft is about 36 hours away and that all bets are off (with the exception of Matthew Stafford going at number one, or so it appears). We'll see what Danny Boy and his brain trust (or lack thereof) can pull off.

Stay tuned.

Pro Football Talk says so. Here's the list for each team's cap room.

The Ravens have the least amount of cap room with under a million. How's it's not Washington I'll never know. I know we backload all our contracts and restructure them, but still we have to have around 8-10 players making close to eight million a year. Not to mention the ex-Redskins we're still paying.

Somehow, we have about $6 million in cap room. Now if we could just spend it wisely...

But that probably won't happen. Mark Sanchez anyone? I sure hope not.

Michael Oher is still the guy I want, but hey, if we could fill the OLB or DE need, that's fine with me too. I like Clay Matthews, Cushing, and Orakpo. I'd love to see Orakpo fall to us, but it's not likely.

Overall, my main plea to Danny boy: Do not mortgage away our future by trading up. It will kill our cap and leave us with even fewer draft picks (ergo more holes and less depth).