This post will be a place to discuss all of the projections for pick #34 that I have rounded up, and also a place to post your own mock drafts to discuss.Fanspeak's Simulator is a great tool to allow you to build your own mock draft. The premium version which allows trades is now available, and is a great way to look at the options the Redskins have at the top of each round.
Three week's from today, the Redskins will be making their first selection of the 2014 NFL Draft. Mock drafts are everywhere and the extra few week's before the draft just might drive some people crazy. The Redskins have been busy with draft prospect visits/workouts, with over 15 prospect names announced so far. There has been a heavy emphasis on defense, specifically pass rushers. There have also been visits scheduled with WRs, RBs, DBs, and a quartet of OTs. Draft visits can be nothing more than a smokescreen, or offer a slight clue into where the team is looking to improve. This is lying season after all.
This week we have 7 new names added, and both of our Offensive Guards from last week removed. There are only two names on the list who haven't been listed here before. DT Timmy Jernigan(1st round prospect) and Marcus Martin(2nd-3rd round prospect) join the options at #34 for the Redskins. Some people feel that addressing the Center position is the most important need in this draft, and are willing to take one with the Skins first pick. These same people also have nightmares about a Monty high snap in the playoffs being replaced by a Licht high snap, and I can't exactly blame them.
So where's your head at Hogs Haven? Offensive Line needs to be addressed before anything else? The secondary is still a sieve that needs to be fixed with the first pick? BPA for any of the positions of need? Trade down is the only thing that makes sense? Don't worry, it's almost over.
Players Added:
Players Removed:
David Yankey, OG, Stanford
Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA
Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
Website |
Draft Pick |
Date |
CBS Sports Projection |
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Overall |
Position |
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Kelvin Benjamin, WR, FSU |
04/16/2014 |
55 |
10 |
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Reasoning: "If you take a look at the 30 WRs who were leaders in TDs in 2013, how many would you guess are receivers over 6'1"? 15? 20? 25? Actually, 26 of the top 30 receivers are over 6'1", accounting for 85% of the touchdowns among this group. In contrast, shorter receivers dominate yardage gained. So, what do these figures mean for the Redskins? Well, even though the Redskins' passing attack seems to be stacked with the additions of Jackson and Roberts to Reed and Garcon, only Reed is over 6'0". The addition of Kelvin Benjamin would give the Redskins an Alshon Jeffrey-type receiver to add to this group and will make the Redskins a dangerous team in the red zone, not just in between the 20s." Height: 6' 5" Weight: 240 lbs
Alternative Picks: Morgan Moses, OT, UVA; Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame
3rd Round Selection: Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi State
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Joel Bitonio, OT/G, Nevada |
04/16/2014 |
42 |
3(OG) |
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Reasoning: "All the receiving toys won't matter if RGIII doesn't have the time to throw their way. Bitonio is a draft board riser who can play tackle and guard. ILB Chris Borland and SS Jimmie Ward are Plan B options."
CBS Sports Analysis:
STRENGTHS: Highly effective collegiate left tackle who combines good quickness, strength and tenacity. More athletic than he looks, demonstrating light feet and balance to quickly fan outside to handle speed rushers. Plays on the balls of his feet and shows good lateral agility to mirror edge rushers. Strong hands to latch onto defenders and usually contains them throughout the play. Good quickness for the down block and in getting to the second level in the running game. Shows impressive power to drive defenders off the line and will knock them to the ground when he feels them off-balance. Competitive. Doesn't give up on the play, even if beaten initially. Handled top competition when given the opportunity, including in one-on-one matchups against UCLA's Anthony Barr. WEAKNESSES: Doesn't possess the ideal length or build to remain at left tackle in the NFL and may be best served moving inside to guard - a position he never played at Nevada. Appears to have shorter-than-ideal arms, an issue that explains why Bitonio occasionally falls off blocks or is beaten with an effective over-arm swim move. Can get fundamentally lazy and stop moving his feet, allowing himself to get over-extended. COMPARES TO: Marshall Newhouse, Green Bay Packers - Like the 6-4, 319-pound Newhouse, Bitonio's size looks better on paper than it does on tape, where his less-than-ideal arm length and thick middle seem to project best to guard. Also like Newhouse, however, Bitonio is surprisingly athletic and a savvy, competitive football player, who'll carve out a niche somewhere. Previous Pick: Morgan Moses, OT, UVA 3rd Round Pick: Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska Height: 6'4" Weight: 302 lbs
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Joel Bitonio, OT, Nevada |
04/16/2014 |
42 |
3(OG) |
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Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech |
04/16/2014 |
27 |
3 |
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CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Physical demeanor with good length. Excellent toughness and energy -- plays like he's 25 pounds thicker. Good vertical leap and smooth hip action to flip-and-go. Good route recognition and outstanding read-and-react quickness to mirror or plant-and-drive to attack. Above-average anticipation and cover instincts. Studies receivers and does his homework to know what to look for without hesitation. Physical in run support and works hard to get off blocks. Closes in a flash with a fierce attitude. Heady and opportunistic player. Very good ball awareness and NFL ball skills. Good blitzer. Experience playing inside and outside and at safety, linebacker and special teams. WEAKNESSES: Very lean with limited muscle definition and overall growth potential. Overaggressive nature and he over-pursues in coverage and run support to compensate for lack of elite speed. Doesn't have gear to recover if he loses a step at the line. Too "hands on" and is susceptible to mental errors. Tends to freelance. Undisciplined making tackles in the open field. Strong durability concerns with his physical style and lean body type. Senior season ended prematurely due to hernia surgery in Nov. 2013. COMPARES TO: Jason McCourty, Titans - Fuller isn't an elite athlete, but he's agile and quick with the aggressive nature and reaction quickness to make plays against the pass and the run.
Height: 6' Weight: 190 lbs Previous Pick: David Yankey, OG, Stanford 3rd Round Pick: Carl Bradford, LB, Arizona State |
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CJ Mosley, ILB, Alabama |
04/14/2014 |
22 |
1 |
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Reasoning: "The Redskins need a long-term replacement for London Fletcher. Keenan Robinson hasn't been able to stay healthy to prove he is that guy. Height: 6'2" Weight: 234 lbs Previous Pick: Morgan Moses, OT, UVA 3rd Round Pick: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
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Chris Borland, ILB, Wisconsin |
04/17/2014 |
79 |
2 |
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Reasoning: "Tackling was a huge problem for the Redskins last year, and adding one of the most consistent tacklers in the draft at a position of need makes sense here. I could see Borland in Round 1, too. He's currently among my top 25 players in the draft."
CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Heady, passionate player. Consistently diagnoses action correctly, attacking seams to make plays near the line of scrimmage and showing better than advertised speed and change of direction while dropping into coverage. He is a no-nonsense LB, showing impressive pop and determination to get to the ball. Borland is disciplined in space and is rarely fooled, showing good body positioning and timing in coverage. WEAKNESSES: Despite stellar production, Borland's pedestrian size and athleticism hurt, but there is some validity to the Zach Thomas comparisons. He lacks elite speed and range to consistently play sideline-to-sideline, but effort and motor aren't questions - his body and mind are always at full-go. Lack of length shows near the line of scrimmage. Height: 6' Weight: 248 lbs
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Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama |
04/14/2014 |
33 |
4 |
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Reasoning: "Cyrus Kouandjio has reportedly failed physicals with at least a handful of NFL teams because of an arthritic knee. That may cause him to slide a bit in the draft, but he's a first-round talent if healthy. Washington still needs to address its offensive line after free agency, so Kouandjio would be a nice value pick." Height: 6'7" Weight: 322 lbs Previous Pick: Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota
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Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama |
4/17/2014 |
33 |
4 |
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Reasoning: ""In Robert Griffin III, Alfred Morris, Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson, Andre Roberts and Jordan Reed, the Washington Redskins think they have the makings of a special offense. Unless the offensive line does its part, however, all of this could be wasted. Cyrus Kouandjio and Trent Williams would give the Redskins an impressive bookend tackle situation. Cyrus is an athletic pass protector, and his strength would open the right side for Alfred Morris in the running game. The Redskins' offensive line got pushed around considerably last season, but with Kouandjio anchoring the right side, Jay Gruden should be able to be a lot more unpredictable with his play-calling." |
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Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama |
4/15/2014 |
33 |
4 |
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Reasoning: "Redskins are very happy to trade back and still land their bookend right tackle. A 20 year old kid with an extremely high ceiling fell due to some failed team medicals. Our team doctors gave his knees a clean bill of health so we consider him a steal!" |
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Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama |
04/14/2014 |
33 |
4 |
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Height: 6'7" Weight: 322 lbs Previous Pick: Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA |
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Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech |
04/14/2014 |
27 |
3 |
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Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech |
04/18/2014 |
27 |
3 |
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Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota |
04/14/2014 |
32 |
4(DT) |
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CBS Sports Analysis:
STRENGTHS: Alternately lining up over the nose or as a three-technique, Hageman consistently pushes his counterparts deep into the backfield, demonstrating rare upfield burst for a man of his size, as well as impressive strength. A brute in the middle, combining excellent size and power to push blockers deep into the pocket. WEAKNESSES: At times struggles to locate the football quickly, can appear a bit stiff changing directions and shows just average speed and determination in pursuit, despite being subbed often. Had two potential big tackles for losses negated by facemask penalties against Minnesota in 2013. Height: 6'6" Weight: 310 lbs |
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Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois |
04/15/2014 |
41 |
1 |
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Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
04/16/2014 |
29 |
4 |
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CBS Sports Analysis:
STRENGTHS: Fluid body type with smooth hips to easily turn and adjust his frame. Excellent short-area burst and flexibility to seamlessly redirect his footwork to mirror receivers in space. Very good feel on an island baits and drives on throws with burst and timing. Improved instincts and awareness, not afraid to come off his man to make a play. Excellent ballskills and confidence to undercut routes and finish with the interception. Quick read/react skills. Adequate strength for his size and very active in run support. Will hold his ground at the point of attack. Very aggressive with the ball in the air and attacks it. Smart and sound with his cover assignments, always playing alert. Routinely made wow plays on special teams coverage, including a blocked field goal in 2012. Heady player with high football character. Productive as a three-year starter, combining for 43 passes defended and nine interceptions in college. WEAKNESSES: Lack of elite height and length shows against most receivers. Lanky build and doesn't have the frame to pack on too much more muscle. Lacks ideal hand strength to consistently finish or easily shed blocks. Room to improve his tackling technique, especially in space, hitting too high and losing immediate leverage. Will pop up out of his backpedal too soon and needs to play with more consistent pad level in his transition technique. Needs to eliminate the mental mistakes with too many offsides and holding penalties on his resume. Blanket coverage, but needs to do a better job finding the ball with his back to the line of scrimmage. Some durability concerns after several nagging injuries plagued him in 2013, most notably a shoulder injury. Height: 5' 10" Weight: 189 lbs |
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Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
04/11/2014 |
31 |
4 |
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Reasoning: "Verrett would be a great pick for the Redskins as he fits one of their most pressing needs and has a first-round grade." Height: 5' 10" Weight: 189 lbs |
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Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU |
4/14/2014 |
39 |
4 |
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CBS Sports Analysis:
STRENGTHS: Quick, instinctive linebacker with excellent reaction skills. Athletic enough in coverage, showing balance and change of direction. Locates the ball quickly and provides good effort in pursuit. Impressed at the Senior Bowl with his fluidity and instincts in coverage by closing quickly to bat away multiple passes during practices. Shows excellent play recognition, taking on blockers with the correct shoulder (allowing him to slide off would-be blockers and into ballcarriers easily) and is equally effective slipping into coverage or sliding past offensive linemen on his way toward a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Surprised many coaches and teammates by returning for senior season, then battled through late-season injury to stay on the field and serve as the defense's leader. WEAKNESSES: Not an elite athlete overall. A bit slow to 'shoot his gun' when ballcarriers are running at him and relies too much on a simple bull-rush when coming off the edge. Wasn't as disruptive as a senior, in part due to opponents game-planning to avoid him. However, he was also without 2013 first-round pick DL Ziggy Ansah occupying blockers in front of him. Relies on instincts and efficiency, rather than physicality. Beats blockers to the action, rather than taking them on shedding violently and isn't an explosive tackler. Projects best as a traditional outside linebacker in the 4-3 alignment because of this lack of take-on mentality, though he has shown the ability to get to the quarterback. COMPARES TO: Chad Greenway, Vikings - Greenway might just be the best all-around outside linebacker in the NFL, and comparing any rookie to him is therefore hyperbole. Van Noy plays with similar instincts and efficiency, however, making plays behind the line of scrimmage as well as dropping back into coverage with impressive consistency. He isn't flashy or physically dominant, but ranks among the safer prospects in the 2014 draft. Height: 6' 3" Weight: 243 lbs |
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Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State |
04/16/2014 |
33 |
5 |
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Reasoning: "The Redskins need help all over their defense. Roby's performance during the evaluation process has almost made up for his subpar final season with the Buckeyes. Top needs: DB, ILB, OL. CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Roby has world-class speed with the click-and-close ability to play tight coverage and mirror receivers all over the field. 4.39-second 40-yard speed and a good fighting attitude to battle for the ball. WEAKNESSES: Lacks preferred size for the position. Can be late looking for the ball. Tendency to concede underneath throws, although some might have been scheme-based in college. Must prove he can drive on the ball and limit plays in front of him. Height: 5' 11" Weight: 194 lbs 3rd Round Selection: Demarcus Lawrence, OLB, Boise State |
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Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame |
04/14/2014 |
40 |
5(DT) |
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Reasoning: "Washington was a disaster in all phases last year. While RG3 and the offense got all the attention the 'Skins defense was a complete train wreck, most notably on the defensive line. Stephon Tuitt is experienced in the 3-4 and would fit nicely as a five technique defensive end for the 'Skins. CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Tantalizing upside. Highly athletic frame despite massive size. Impressive combination of length, power and surprising quickness. Scheme versatility for the 3-4 and 4-3, possessing the size of most interior linemen while maintaining the quickness to provide a rush off the edge. WEAKNESSES: Arrived to 2013 fall came out of shape following hernia surgery and struggled to dominate as he had as a sophomore. Lack of consistency was a concern as a junior. Height: 6' 6" Weight: 304 lbs |
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Timmy Jernigan, DT, FSU |
4/16/2014 |
18 |
2 |
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CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Stays light on his feet with good movement skills for a 300-pounder, showing smooth hips and fluid lateral range to work up and down the line of scrimmage. Jernigan does a nice job using his hands and footwork to sidestep blockers and collapse gaps, and has active hands and the upper-body strength to bully blockers. Jernigan also shows improved ball awareness and can anchor against multiple blocks. WEAKNESSES: Jernigan needs to improve his snap anticipation and is too often the last lineman to move off the ball. He's still developing his technique and figuring out how to properly use his limbs. Height: 6' 2" Weight: 299lbs |
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Marcus Martin, C, USC |
4/18/2014 |
75 |
2 |
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Reasoning: "The Redskins don't have a first-round choice and will target an Opening Day starter with the 34th pick. Martin adds size to a Washington line Jay Gruden has been incrementally making bigger." CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Only a third-year collegiate player but already boasts the frame of an NFL interior lineman, possessing the naturally thick build conducive to playing in the trenches. Good quickness off the snap, showing the ability to get to the second level as well as seal defenders to create running lanes. Possesses good core flexibility and natural knee bend to help him anchor against bull rushes. Slides well laterally to mirror pass rushers and keeps his head on a swivel to help teammates. Plays with some nastiness. Plays to the whistle and isn't opposed to getting an extra shot in as the whistle blows. A good athlete whose flaws are coachable, suggesting that his best football is still ahead of him. WEAKNESSES: Only has one year of starting experience at center and is likely to remain at this position in the NFL due to his less than ideal height. Plays very low, which gives him a natural leverage advantage but also makes him prone to effective swim moves from taller defenders. Relies on his punch too much, over-extending and getting himself off-balance. Spends too much time on the ground because he attempts to knock defenders over rather than simply mirroring them or working to sustain his blocks. Can be a step late in reacting to surprise blitzes. Good quickness to the second level but doesn't redirect well. COMPARES TO: Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns -- Mack was among the more polished and talented centers in recent history when he left Cal and was selected by the Browns with the 21st overall pick of the 2009 draft. Martin isn't yet at this stage but his upside is clear, as is his grit and physicality. With dedication to his craft, Martin could emerge as a quality starter in the NFL. Height: 6' 3" Weight: 320 lbs |