What Might Have Been - Redskins at Pick #2

What might have been if the Redskins hadn't traded what ended up being the 2nd overall pick in the 2014 draft to the St. Louis Rams in 2012 in order to move up to select quarterback Robert Griffin? Let's pretend for a moment that the debt owed to St. Louis was paid. The compensation no longer required this years first round draft selection.

Obviously, fantasy, and what-might-have-beens, can frustrate and annoy some, but as the draft approaches, I figured it may be fun to play make believe for a moment, and pretend the Redskins currently hold the number two overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. And yes, we still have Robert Griffin.

So, I'd like to hear your thoughts as to which direction you may go with the 2nd overall pick in the comments section, and why. If you choose, you may also select a player at 34, although the projections for that spot will be quite a bit harder, as so many outlying factors come into play.

Below, and just for fun, I will lay out my pick for number two in the draft, and give my reason for the selection. Remember, have fun with this, and try not to curse Mike Shanahan as you make your choice.

Scenerio 1:

Pick #2: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A & M - Is there a chance Houston could select Matthews at number one overall? Sure, but the odds seem to favor either Clowney, or one of the three quarterbacks here for Bill O'Brien. Matthews played right tackle, and played it very well for Texas A & M, and I may even argue that he may be a slightly better fit on the right than he would be on the left. Point is, this kid could probably play all five offensive line positions, and play them well. By selecting him in the first round, you get him on the cheap, and you get the extra fifth year option on his rookie contract. Pairing Matthews with left tackle Trent Williams gives the Redskins two of the most athletic bookends in the NFL for years. Once Williams' play begins to decline, it could be perfect timing to move Matthews to left tackle.

Pick #34: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt - Now that we have offensive tackle solidified for the foreseeable future, the "build the line guys" may not have so much of an issue taking an explosive playmaker on the outside to pair with Pierre Garcon. Matthews has a tremendous work ethic, can run the complete route tree, has good hands, great ability to track the ball in the air, and will make the tough catch in traffic. Now that the questions have been answered about his speed, there may even be teams who will grab him at the end of the fist round. In this scenerio, I have his slipping to pick 34, and the Redskins sprinting to the podium to select the Vanderbilt star.

Scenerio 2:

Pick #2: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson - Watkins may be too good a prospect to pass up on. He has all the ability to become the next great wide receiver in the NFL. He has great size/speed, outstanding hands, runs crisp routes, and was one of the most dangerous players in college football after the catch.

Pick #34: HaHa Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama - Although I think it is high unlikely he slips out of the first round, I still have mocked Clinton-Dix at this spot. Pryor may get selected ahead of him, and if he slid into the second, the Redskins have to consider him.