Mocking the Draft: SB Nation Community Draft

by Ken Meringolo on Mar 23, 2009 3:02 PM EDT in Draft Comment 23 comments

So SB Nation is having each team website man their team's draft room for a community-wide mock draft. That means that later this week, HogsHaven picks at #13 for our beloved Redskins. This is in addition to (separate from) our HogsHaven community draft, that was officially started today. The Lions (Justin) are on the clock.

As for the Redskins selection at #13, in the broader mock draft, it is time to get some feel for what we want. I will make the case for DE/OLB, with possibly an offensive lineman or two that could slip to us for consideration. Fire away with your opinions, commentary and criticisms so we can come to the pick that will best serve the burgundy and gold.

In previous draft posts, we have clamored here for Brian Orakpo in the #13 spot. Thanks to the fact that he has absolutely dominated the offseason workout scene, it is pretty safe to say he will not be around when we are drafting. But the need for his kind of skill set is still there for us. An impact linebacker for us out of the 1st round would be huge for our entire team. I argue that this single addition (after all the other offseason-maneuvering) pushes our defense into some rarified air--a championship-caliber defense. Sure the Skins were 4th overall in team defense last season. But there were things we simply did not do well that ultimately explained how we ended up being the only top 5 defense that did not make the playoffs (I think that is right). We live in an era where pressure on the quarterback is the #1 priority, and the failure to generate this pressure keeps you from being a serious contender. Haynesworth will have an impact on this for sure. But to extract full value from Haynesworth (short of playing him at QB), we need for other guys around him to take advantage of the attention he will attract from opposing offenses. (I am not blaming the defense for us missing the playoffs by the way, just underlining that if we want to beat our chests about a championship-caliber defense, or even a playoff-caliber defense, we simply need to get more pressure on the QB. Period. Don't blame the offense. Don't blame flukey plays. Don't point out high rankings that still weren't enough to get us to the postseason. Get to the QB...and get to the playoffs.)

In short, an impact linebacker for us that can rush the passer from anywhere along the line, drop into coverage, and make sure tackles is going to vault the entire team into a better place. London Fletcher is getting old and Rocky has a lot of mileage on his knees. We need to inject some youth and talent into our linebacking corps. I figure we go Rocky, London, rookie at LB this year, with Blades and Fincher as the main backups. That would be some quality depth at LB, and if Horton and Landry can put together a solid second year together, we would be looking pretty strong up the middle of our defense.

On the flip side, a stud offensive lineman would also do wonders for our team. My fear is that the ones worth drafting in the top 15 will be gone by the time we pick, and the Skins will be left trying to reach for the next best guy, possibly drafting a player way too high. But if one of a couple offensive linemen fall to us on draft day, they must be considered. Since we are not trading our pick in this particular mock draft, we have to live with the fact we get one pick in the first 2 rounds. That means we rank a few of these guys (DE/LB and OL) and take the best guy on the board when we pick.

The group I have is:

1) Brian Cushing: OLB, USC

2) Michael Oher: OT, Ole Miss

3) Everette Brown: DE, FSU

4) Tyson Jackson: DE, LSU

5) Aaron Maybin: DE/OLB, Penn State

6) Rey Maualuga: ILB, USC

7) Andre Smith: OT, Alabama

I think if Cushing is still there at #13 we take him. The USC defense has yielded some prize players in recent years. It can be hard to tell just how good some of these guys are since the unit as a whole is so good, but Cush's size, speed and strength translate to the NFL. With Curry and Orakpo seemingly out of our reach, Cushing would be the next best thing. Everette Brown would be a close second, and worth the debate, as he has some serious ability. I think I could be happy adding either of them.

If we go the OT route, looks like Oher will/should be the best available. I can live with this pick, as it fills a need on the roster, and has the potential of giving us a starting right tackle for the next 10 years. He has all the tools to succeed at the next level.

My one thought before I turn it over to the shooting gallery is that I think there will be starting quality offensive linemen in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. I don't think there will be a Brian Cushing or Everette Brown type in those rounds. So part of the reason my strategy would be to go defense is because I think the better player available will be defense and I think we can still pick up a quality offensive lineman in the 3rd round.

Have at it.

Poll

Assuming we have to pick at #13, what's it going to be?

OT

127 votes

DE/OLB

214 votes

Percy Harvin (don't act like I'm the only one who thought it)

23 votes

364 votes | Poll has closed

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Read More: mock, draft, washington, Washington Redskins

Comments

I like all the guys you mentioned (with the exception of Aaron Maybin)

but I think Andre Smith should be ranked higher. Sure, he has some question marks but if he gets it together he could be absolutely dominant. Film doesn’t lie and even if he can’t play LT in the NFL we can always use a pro bowl caliber RT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk

by hibachi on Mar 23, 2009 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just Mocking....!

If this is the list of potential candidates which will fall to #13, then I placed them in the order I would be confident in drafting
1) Brian Cushing: OLB, USC
2) Michael Oher: OT, Ole Miss
3) Everette Brown: DE, FSU
4) Andre Smith: OT, Alabama
5) Rey Maualuga: ILB, USC
6)William Beatty, OT, UCONN
7) Aaron Maybin: DE/OLB, Penn State

The need for a LB is more than a DE, Maybin would be the tweener keeping him on the board. Getting a Tackle if the LBs go away is just as important. Later rounds can be used on other offensive line men…the team needs a bunch. Center, Guards etc. 4-picks make adding to the depth very tough…

by dr WNC on Mar 23, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Don Banks

was reporting that Michael Oher is falling off most teams’ draft boards, for some reason…. I still think Smith is the better OT.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Oher has better maturity and head on his shoulders

for that reason I’d go Oher

by smutsboy1 on Mar 24, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree on Oher's maturity,

but I still think Smith is better at tackle.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This draft has a few good centers...

With our current allotment of picks, we simply cannot afford any luxuries. With a warm body that can get it done in the short-term (Rabach), we gets none of these this year.

Here is what I want with 2 picks in the 1st and 3rd rounds: 2 starters. LB and OT, DT and OT, OT and OT….don’t care. Just 2 starters that will be playing Week 1 along the offensive and defensive fronts. Then the next year, we can try and get 3 starters in the first 3 rounds. See where I’m going with this Vinny?

by Ken Meringolo on Mar 23, 2009 4:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

When

was the last time we drafted two starters with our first two picks? 2005? (Campbell and Rogers)

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have you guys

noticed how Rabach gets manhandled playing against the bigger nose tackles in 3-4 defenses?

by VA_Skin on Mar 25, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup,

which is partly because Rabach is merely a decent, but not great, center, and partly because that’s what 3-4 NTs are supposed to do… their job description basically reads: “Be really, really, really big, and push around Centers”.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 25, 2009 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Starter with the 1st pick but 3rd rounder is a toss-up

This draft has good depth in all of Washingtons weak areas, trading for more picks is in my opinion the best option. I’m not so concerned with starters this year as more starters next year, making the team much younger.
Why?
1. The Redskins upgraded the Defense, and while they lost Washington and Springs, the corners and LBs on the roster played well enough to keep the Defense at number 4 when Washington and Springs were hurt.
2. The Redskins upgraded the offensive line, while Kendall was a solid guard, how much did he hurt the continuity of the line by not being able to practice or how much did Samuels feel he needed to cover for Kendall. Samuels, KNOWS that the Guard position is now taken care of and can concentrate on his job. A right tackle would be nice but can Jansen improve with a full season of conditioning vs one of Rehab, added he has a chip on his shoulder with all the talk that he’s over the hill.
3. No player upgrades on the QB, RB, WR or TE in the offense but does a second season under an improved offensive system, and with the expected play of the 2nd year WR provide the upgrade.
4. Special teams, competition is the key with punter, kicker and possibly KR/PR (new guys one from CFL and other fron Denver), providing an upgrade as well.

In FA, the Redskins have upgraded or provided an opportuntiy with performance of an upgrade from the previous year. Will the upgrade result in a 9-7 or better record? or will the lack of depth and injuries result in a 2nd year slump to a record worse than 8-8. I like where the team is as far as upgrades in all aspects, but very concerned with the depth…more draft picks will provide depth but possibly not starters this year.

by dr WNC on Mar 23, 2009 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We are "The Hogs" act like it!!!!

The name of the Redskins home is Hogs Haven, yet we really lost the tradition. Our o-line is old and broken down. It is time to have the best o-line year after year and have every o-linemen and running back dream of playing here.

I do agree that we have not been able to pressure the QB since Mann and Manley, though. It would be easier to plug in another DE and tell him to go get it (We could have done that with the second pick this year…) but ultimately lets build the o-line so strong I could be backed up be Mark Rypen!!!!!

by brettpedigo on Mar 23, 2009 5:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Normally, losing the second round pick wouldn't be the end of the world

but this years draft is so deep. Maybe there isn’t one top guy, but there are going to be a few really quality players that drop into the second round and become great value.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laydODN6xVk

by hibachi on Mar 23, 2009 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Disagree.

I think 2nd round picks are always valuable, especially if you take into account cost/benefit (ie. their contracts are relatively more affordable).

The common perception of a large difference in value between mid to late first round picks and second round picks is inaccurate, IMO. This is why I was so upset when we traded our 2nd rounder last year. A team with as little youth and depth as ours REALLY needs those non-expensive day-1 picks.

Not accusing you of this, just saying so in general.

by smutsboy1 on Mar 24, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rocky Mack

was a 2nd round pick, as was CP.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope the Skins wait to see who is there at 13...

but for the sake of discussion, I would like for us to bring in Andre Smith for some extensive interviews (someone set this up for later this week). If he checks out, then I would go with him at 13. Why? b/c he is an LT and will dominate there for years. LTs are very difficult to find, with FA LTs costing big bucks on the FA market. RTs are easier to find as FAs or as a draft pick (normally converted college LTs). Jansen was a second rounder, so 13 is too early for Oher. Plus we could get by this year with Jansen/Heyer and maybe look for RT in the third round. If Smith is crazy, then look at Everette Brown for his pass rushing ability. Why? This is also a tough position to fill (impact pass rusher). I know there are question of his size and ability to stop the run, so I would hope that Marcus is brought back or another vet is signed to go with Blades on the outside…looking at third round again to fill outside OLB. Cushing? Questions on him too, so I like the impact DE with questions over the OLB with questions. Rocky was a second round pick so I would think 13 is too early for Cushing. With the question on Cushing is that he could just be a product of the USC system where he is surrounded by other future NFL draft picks who take up blockers allowing him to make plays. I actually like Maualuga over Cushing due to him being the defensive and locker room leader, he would be out of position at OLB, but would hope for him to transition to Mike in future years when London is done. Recap: Smith (if he is not crazy), then Brown, then Maualuga, then Cushing.

by liger99 on Mar 23, 2009 6:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mocking the Draft: SB Nation Community Draft

I think the Skins would be foolish to draft for any position other than offensive line. Granted, we need help at DE and linebackers, but given the poor personnel managment of Cerratto. We have limited number of picks. I consider the Skins in a rebuilding mode. The offensive line is aging and injury prone as well as our linebackers. We will need more than this year to fix all the problems, but to remain competitive and to save Campbell’s career, we need to draft offensive linemen. Particuarly a right guard. Haynesworth should make the players around him better on the defensive line and I think we could find a couple of linebackers in the later rounds to hold us over until next year. We need to give Campbell all the tools to succeed to best evaluate him. Campbell has all the potential in the world but he needs to play behind a solid offensive line for a year with capable receivers to see if he is the QB for the future or a bust. Hopefully last years draft at receivers will pan out and, we have the running attack. We need an solid o-line to help put up points and be consistent. Then after this year we can fill in the other holes. This quick fix strategy and the nack for giving away draft picks for stop gap measures, is not working. Time to put in place a 3-year plan and build through the draft. Hopefully, next year we will have a full compliment of picks and use them wisely. I say this year solidify the Offensive line and hope we get lucky with a linebacker or 2 in the later rounds. I think Michael Oher OT, Ole Miss should be our pick.

by A Connecticut Redskin on Mar 24, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

well put

and welcome to HH. If people want to throw Campbell to the wolves this year, at least get him a fighting shot w/ a good line. Worked for all our other SB qbs.

by KevinE on Mar 24, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A Connecticut Redskin

in King Arthur’s Court?

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Mar 24, 2009 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point about finding that talent late (vs early)

The specific LBs you mention may be hard to match later on, but in general I think its so much harder to find decent talent at OL (especially tackle) vs LB.

A good defense can get by with mediocre talent at LB (especially ours as long as London is healthy (knock on wood)). But few offenses can thrive without good tackles.

Just look at ours as Jansen fell apart last year. Our need at tackle is too great to pass on one of the top four in this draft.

by smutsboy1 on Mar 24, 2009 10:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs