/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5736087/20120915_lbm_se9_672.0.jpg)
Now that the college football season is winding to a close, and the NFL playoff picture is starting to come into focus, I wanted to make some draft projections with the Redskins top five selections in the 2013 NFL Draft.
2nd: Blidi Wreh-Wilson: CB Connecticut 6-1 190 - Wreh-Wilson has been a riser this season. His athleticism is off the charts, and I look for him to post a low 4.4 40 yard dash. He is a long, rangy corner who can play well in both man and zone, and he's not afraid to come up and hit you in the mouth. My only concern is the level of competition he faced in the Big East. The kid has a ton of up-side, and with proper coaching, could become an excellent NFL corner. Wilson is also a very high character guy who is well respected amongst his teammates.
3rd : Phillip Thomas: S Fresno State 6-1 215 - Thomas led the nation in interceptions with eight, and that was good enough to earn the senior first-team All-American status. Thomas' versatility allows him to play either strong or free safety, and he should be able to step in immediately and contribute to a secondary that has struggled this season. He does have some injury concerns, as he missed a year in college with a broken leg and ankle.
4th: Xavier Nixon: OT Florida 6-5 314 - Nixon was one of the most coveted offensive line recruits coming out of high school, and his career has not quite lived up to the hype. He did put together a very nice senior season at Florida in 2012, and showed very well in pass protection against some good SEC pass rushers. Nixon has good feet and athleticism, and with time could become a quality starter at right tackle.
5th: Ray Ray Armstrong: S Miami 6-3 222 - In a normal situation you wouldn't see Armstrong's name anywhere near the 5th round, but his situation is far from normal. Armstrong was suspended from the Miami for receiving improper benefits. Being out of football for over a year, and character concerns will drop his stock significantly, but his athletic ability is outstanding, and if he gets on a team with the proper foundation for him personally, he could be the steal of the draft.
5th: Mike Mauti: MLB PSU 6-2 238 - Mauti has struggled to stay healthy during his college career, but when he has, there is no denying his production. He was a team captain, and heart and soul of a Penn State squad that had to face the toughest sanctions ever handed down by the NCAA. Mauti might not be ready right away, but if he can return to form, he could prove to be a steal.