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.
Well, that happened. The Redskins blew up everyone's list of team needs and now the mock draft community is still playing catch-up to adjust. There are several new wide receivers listed this week, but that need has gone down a few notches now that the top 3 WR spots on the roster are locked up. So we are left with 3 options at WR, which was expected as the draft got closer. One of those receivers, Brandin Cooks, has already stated that he "Can do it better than DeSean Jackson".
The offensive line continues to be a focal point for draft prognosticators. This week there are two Offenseive Tackles and two Offensive Guards listed. The Redskins have added two Guards this offseason, but have not been able to address the Tackle position despite several attempts.
The secondary and defensive line are the other areas that show up every week and are still considered areas that need improvement. This week we have 2 Cornerbacks, 1 Safety, and 2 Defensive Linemen, and they have all been projected to the Redskins in previous weeks.
By next week, there might not be a single WR on the list, as the Redskins needs at the top of the draft have shifted away from that position. Is it possible that we see our first Tight End show up next week to complement Jordan Reed, or will the focus continue to be on the trenches and secondary? The Redskins still have a lot of areas in need of improvement, will having more positional flexibility at the top of the draft give them a better opportunity to trade down if a top WR falls? Adding picks should be the goal in this draft to get more young, cheap talent on the roster, but you need someone willing to give up those picks in a deep draft. So who you got this week?
Players Added:
Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU
Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Marqise Lee, WR, UCLA
Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame
Players Removed:
Odell Beckham Jr, WR, LSU
Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
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Draft Pick |
Date |
CBS Sports Projection |
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Overall |
Position |
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Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State |
04/2/2014 |
21 |
4 |
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CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Special athlete with explosive feet and natural burst - springs in his legs. Fluid body control with excellent start/stop moves, open-field vision and patient hesitation to elude defenders - joystick moves with loose hips and joints. Beautiful acceleration with speed to burn - electric after the catch. Quick hands to adjust and pluck with very good coordination to look the ball into his mitts. Quick footwork to set up his routes and fool defenders - has worked hard to fine-tune this area. Works hard to max out his frame. Strong football character. Tough individual - has never missed a game at any level. Experience on special teams as a return man - became full-time punt returner in 2013 (6.0 average). Very productive and 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner as nation's top receiver - set Oregon State and Pac-12 records for catches (128) and receiving yards (1,730), also setting new school record for touchdown catches (24). WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal size with below average height and length for the position. Limited strength, muscle and overall growth potential. Struggles with physical defenders and doesn't have ideal body strength - will be overwhelmed in man coverage. Looks to avoid contact and would much rather escape out of bounds or go around defenses. Needs to secure the ball through the process to eliminate drops and fumbles. Smallish target for quarterbacks. COMPARES TO: Tavon Austin, St. Louis Rams - Cooks is a slightly bigger, not as fast version of Austin due to explosive feet, open-field moves and natural athleticism that makes him a home-run threat whenever he touches the ball. Height: 5' 10" Weight: 189 lbs Previous Pick: Odell Beckham Jr, WR, LSU
Alternative Picks: Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame, Bishop Shankey, RB, Washington
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Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia |
04/2/2014 |
47 |
6 |
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CBS Sports Analysis:
POSITIVES: Ideal length and proportion throughout for an NFL offensive tackle. Does a good job of exhibiting patience off the snap as he routinely establishes width and good bend in his base to either absorb or mirror his opponent in pass protection. Makes good use of his long arms by extending and punching to keep defenders off his frame. Displays a fluid, consistent kick-slide when asked to track and dictate a speed rusher around the edge. Exhibits a strong first step and impressive burst for his size, when asked to fire through to the second level as a run blocker. Powerful hands to latch and steer against opponents of all sizes. Does a good job sustaining effort and contact to the whistle, and makes a concerted attempt to drive his opponent off the block rather than simply occupying him. Impressive lower-half flexibility and anchoring strength when absorbing a bull-rush. NEGATIVES: Lacks the ability to stop and start with suddenness or redirect in a short area. Struggles to get low and snap into smaller opponents at the second level, and will over-pursue as a run-blocker. Isn't always decisive in space and lacks commitment at times as a lead blocker on outside runs. Collapses at the elbow or will simply drop his head and ram his target when on the run, leaving him susceptible to whiffing or losing his balance and toppling forward. Has struggled with weight fluctuations throughout his career. COMPARES TO: Ryan Clady, OT, Denver Broncos - Like Clady, Morgan enters the draft with plus movement skills for his size, but comes with many of the same questions that Clady did in terms of his ability to generate power enough to move defenders consistently as a run-blocker. If he can improve in this area, Moses has the upside to be a top-notch blind-side protector at the next level, as Clady has become.
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Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA |
04/3/2014 |
25 |
1 |
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CBS Sports Analysis: The most experienced and pro-ready member of UCLA's talented offensive line is Su'a-Filo, a veteran of 38 career starts who some believe may look to leave campus early for the NFL given the fact that he spent two years on a Mormon mission before joining the Bruins. (10/18/13) STRENGTHS: Powerfully-built. Very good initial quickness, hand placement and impressive upper body strength to gain the initial advantage on defenders. Due to his core strength and flexibility, Su'a-Filo anchors very well against bull-rushes and shows lateral agility and balance in pass pro. Perfect match in UCLA's drive-blocking scheme, but has the athleticism to fit in a zone-blocking scheme as well. WEAKNESSES: Has a tendency to lose leverage on contact. Height: 6'4" Weight: 307 lbs Previous Pick: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
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Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech |
03/31/2014 |
27 |
3 |
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Reasoning: "The Redskins re-signed DeAngelo Hall and got some depth with Tracy Porter, but Washington could still draft a corner to pair with David Amerson in the long run. Fuller is also the best player available who makes sense for the Skins. Height: 6' Weight: 190 lbs
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Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee |
03/24/2014 |
56 |
7 |
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Reasoning: With wide receiver now off the board as a need, my focus is on adding high-ceiling talent at need positions. Richardson is a special athlete and has the ceiling of a good left tackle, but he can certainly slot in as an upgrade on the right side, which has been a problem area. In Lawrence I'm adding a pass-rusher to complement Brian Orakpo. There simply isn't any pass-rushing depth on the roster. I'd like to add help for the secondary, but I also have to hope we see some growth in that area from all the youth that saw the field in 2013. Height: 6' 6" Weight: 336 lbs Third Round Pick: Demarcus Lawrence, OLB, Boise St
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Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss |
03/31/2014 |
67 |
11 |
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Reasoning: "The Redskins made a few key moves in free agency, namely on defense. That allows them to target pieces for the offense. While offensive line upgrades would be helpful, Robert Griffin III still needs more playmaking receivers. Moncrief has first-round talent, but never put up the stats partly because of Ole Miss' quarterback play last season. He's the type of player who the Redskins probably hoped Leonard Hankerson would turn into." Height: 6'2" Weight: 221 lbs
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Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA |
04/1/2014 |
25 |
1 |
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CBS Sports Analysis: The most experienced and pro-ready member of UCLA's talented offensive line is Su'a-Filo, a veteran of 38 career starts who some believe may look to leave campus early for the NFL given the fact that he spent two years on a Mormon mission before joining the Bruins. (10/18/13) STRENGTHS: Powerfully-built. Very good initial quickness, hand placement and impressive upper body strength to gain the initial advantage on defenders. Due to his core strength and flexibility, Su'a-Filo anchors very well against bull-rushes and shows lateral agility and balance in pass pro. Perfect match in UCLA's drive-blocking scheme, but has the athleticism to fit in a zone-blocking scheme as well. WEAKNESSES: Has a tendency to lose leverage on contact. Height: 6'4" Weight: 307 lbs |
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Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota |
04/1/2014 |
35 |
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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Marqise Lee, WR, USC |
04/3/2014 |
28 |
5 |
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CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Explosive straight-line speed that makes pressing him risky for even talented cornerbacks. Remarkably fluid athlete, capable of changing directions quickly and shows developing savvy as a route-runner, often using a hesitation move and shoulder-dip to get defenders off-balance. His vision, elusiveness and acceleration make him a terror after the catch, whether as a receiver or returner. Plucks the ball easily and can track over either shoulder. Plays bigger than his size, showing the ability to go up and high-point passes amidst tight coverage and is an attentive, physical downfield blocker. WEAKNESSES: Possesses a relatively slight frame and struggled with injuries in 2013, raising legitimate questions about his ability to remain healthy against NFL competition. Relies on his natural athleticism to work himself free, at times, rather than exploding out of his routes at the proper depths, showing a willingness to freelance that has led to interceptions for the Trojans. COMPARES TO: Victor Cruz, New York Giants - Like the 6-0, 204-pound Cruz, Lee lacks the frame to wow scouts but his agility, acceleration and soft hands make him a natural playmaker. It is unknown whether Lee can salsa, but he's a breathtaking talent who should have plenty of opportunities to develop touchdown dances of his own in the NFL. Height: 6' Weight: 192 lbs |
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Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU |
04/2/2014 |
39 |
4(OLB) |
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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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David Yankey, OG, Stanford |
04/2/2014 |
37 |
2 |
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CBS Sports Analysis:
STRENGTHS: Natural athlete on the move with very good body control and lower body explosion. Outstanding shuffle footwork and lateral movement skills. Active puller with good coordination to square up his target in motion. Sets up quickly and gets into position with good base width. Not easily redirected with good core strength and strong hands. Very good initial surge as a lead blocker through the hole. Highly intelligent with above average instincts and awareness. Hard worker in the weight room - has added 75 pounds to his frame since his junior year in high school. Strong resume as a two-year All-American and three-year starter with 40 career starts (26 left guard, 14 left tackle). WEAKNESSES: Will allow his pads to rise too much after first contact and needs to improve his knee bend. Bad habit of lowering his head at contact and needs to keep his eyes elevated through contact. Needs to better control his momentum on the move to break down and gain proper positioning. Room to improve his hand placement, struggling to properly latch-and-drive. Will stop his feet at contact and needs to better sustain. Needs to add more thunder to his initial punch. Would like to see more finishing toughness and consistent urgency through the whistle. COMPARES TO: Ben Grubbs, OG, New Orleans Saints - Yankey and Grubbs are comparable due to their natural abilities to open up holes in the run game and make it look easy with athleticism and strength.
Height: 6' 6" Weight: 315 lbs |
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Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois |
4/2/2014 |
34 |
7 |
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CBS Sports Analysis:
STRENGTHS: Compact frame. Remarkably fluid athlete with quick feet, smooth change-of-direction agility and easy acceleration. Dropped down to cover slot receivers with solid man-to-man skills to handle a similar role in the NFL. Good balance and lateral agility, including the ability to sprawl to avoid cut-blocks. Physical, competitive defender who doesn't back down from the challenges of bigger opponents. Very good diagnosis skills and closes quickly and forcefully. Takes proper angles in pursuit, limiting breakaway opportunities for opponents. Eased concerns that his stellar play was due in part to questionable competition at the Senior Bowl. WEAKNESSES: Shorter than scouts prefer, a fact that could lead to some projecting him at cornerback. Good but less-than-ideal speed to recover if beaten initially. Gets too grabby once he's turned around. Leaves his feet to tackle, creating some impressive collisions but occasionally failing to wrap up securely. Misses tackles against the bigger, stronger athletes. COMPARES TO: Glover Quin, Lions - Quin might not be the most popular player in the league but the six-year veteran out of New Mexico has quietly proven a quality starter despite marginal size (6-0, 205)." Height: 6' Weight: 190 lbs |
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Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State |
04/2/2014 |
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 Previous Pick: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
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Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame |
03/28/2014 |
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 |