A new feature this year will be us keeping tabs on where the Redskins scouts are from week to week. Last week they were spotted at the Southern Cal-Hawaii game. This week they are heading to the Florida A&M-Oklahoma game in Norman.
#24 Florida at Texas A&M: 9/8 at 3:30 pm on ESPN
by Steve
Florida: Last year the Gators had just two players drafted, and neither went in the top 100 picks. Florida should do better this season, as depending on who comes out they could see 5-8 names come off the board. Florida is still unlikely to produce many top 100 players, but could have a guy or two sneak in there.
S Matt Elam- Elam is one of those Florida players who could see his stock rise to that of a top 100 pick. He had a breakout sophomore campaign, in which he had 78 tackles (11 for a loss), 2 sacks, forced fumbles and interceptions. He proved that he has good instincts to along with his natural athleticism. Primarily he was used as an in the box strong safety, but he was asked to play deep some as well and looked good in coverage. It's a deep safety class so he may not declare even with a strong year, but if he does he'd be a nice 3rd or 4th round selection. 4th rounder.
OT Xavier Nixon- Going into last season Nixon was a junior tackle to watch as someone who could potentially leave early and be a top 100 or top 75 selection. He had shown good potential his first two seasons though was still considered raw. It was hoped that he would take his game to the next level last season, and establish himself as a starting NFL caliber tackle. Unfortunately that really didn't occur as Nixon didn't show any improvement and may have even regressed a little. He comes into this season very much a question mark, but could be an interesting late round developmental prospect. Nixon was the far better lineman to Maurice Hurt, who has been relied upon these last two seasons in Washington. Though the Redskins should spend an early pick at tackle, they would be wise to add another late round guy.6th rounder
Texas A&M: The Aggies had four players drafted last year and saw a couple of other players signed as priority free agents and make practice squad rosters. QB Ryan Tannehill was the only Aggie picked in the top 150 selections, a number that they could see improve to as many as 5 if some of their top juniors come out.
OT Jake Matthews- Matthews is the son of former Oiler/Titans great Bruce Matthews and appears to be well on his way to follow in his father's footsteps. He is already considered a top 50 prospect for next year and many feel that if he were to declare he'd work his way into the bottom of the first round. Matthews is stuck at RT for the Aggies due to Luke Joeckel on the left side, but he's shown the tools to play either tackle spot. An absolute dream scenario for the Redskins would have him slipping to their pick in the 2nd round to add a bookend to Trent Williams. Early 2nd rounder
WR Ryan Swope- The Skins are likely going to have to part ways with Santana Moss this offseason due to cap considerations. Though overall the Redskins have decent receiver depth, no one has really shown themselves as a slot receiver. Swope would be a great fit in this role as that is how he is going to make it in the NFL. He will likely be viewed more as a late 4th, early 5th round selection and should be a nice pick-up in that range. He's got really nice short area quickness, and runs good routes. 4rd rounder
Score prediction: Florida 27 Texas A&M 14
Steve's Picks: 1-0
#7 Georgia (1-0) @ Missouri (1-0), 7:45 PM, ESPN2
Missouri: It should be a good one in Columbia as Mizzou hosts their SEC opener.
DT, Sheldon Richardson: Richardson is Missouri's top draft prospect coming into this season. The 6'2, 290 lbs defensive tackle is extremely athletic for his size. If the Redskins look for depth at defensive end in next year's draft then Richardson could be good candidate. Richardson is a JUCO transfer and excels mostly in run support. He needs to improve his pass rush skills and has relied on his quickness a little too much. Richardson is a guy that could kill the combine next year and shoot up draft boards. I expect him to be in the 3rd round when it's all said and done.
Georgia: The Bulldogs have some first round talent in linebacker Jarvis Jones and quarterback Aaron Murray, but obviously Redskins fans will not be focusing on the first round this year.
NT, John Jenkins: If the Redskins are looking for a prototypical nose tackle in next year's draft for their 3-4 then they should look no farther than Jenkins. Jenkins may be the league's next Vince Wilfork and is massive at 6'3, 351 lbs but his very athletic for a big guy. The Skins would also benefit since Georgia is one of the few college teams that plays a traditional 3-4. Jenkins would be a steal for the Skins in the 2nd Round.
Game Prediction: Missouri 31, Georgia 27
Parks' Predictions: 1-0
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