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Redskins Mock Draft Roundup 5.0

Our weekly(ish) look at who is being projected to the Redskins at pick #34 in the 2014 NFL Draft.

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.

We took a break from mock drafts to handle the tidal wave of free agents who were promised to us by football analysts and fans alike. Our secondary and offensive line was supposed to be filled with Byrds and Talibs and Macks and salary cap be damned. Well this isn't the 00's Redskins, and all of your offseason championship dreams have been replaced with questions. Who? What? Why? How?

The Redskins still have serious question marks in their secondary, ILBs, WR, and Offensive Line. Depth was the theme of this year's free agent class. Defensive lineman Jason Hatcher and WR Andre Roberts are expected to have the biggest impact among the Redskins new acquisitions. The team made it a priority to re-sign some of it's core defenisive players.

Now that the draft community has had 10 days to digest the new rosters of every team, the shifting needs, and also a number of Pro Day results, we'll look at who they picked for the Skins. All of this week's options fit into the Redskins question mark areas, secondary, ILB, and offensive line. Defensive linemen like Stephon Tuitt and Ra'Shede Hageman are no longer listed with Jason Hatcher plugging up a big hole there. Our streak of having only one wide receiver option continues, this week Brandin Cooks is out as an option and Kelvin Benjamin is in. And secondary help is coming from all over the place with 4 CBs and 2 safeties listed. The newest name on the list might be a longshot, but there were concerns raised about ILB CJ Moseley's knee at the Combine.

The Offensive Line options this week, OT Morgan Moses and OG Gabe Jackson, are considered by most people to be mid-2nd to 3rd round picks. The Redskins are definitely still looking to upgrade at least the OT position, recently trying to sign Donald Penn. Will they "reach" on someone like Moses, or Tiny Richardson, or will an injury risk player like Cyrus Kouandjio drop to them? What position is not being addressed that should be? The 2nd round of the 2014 NFL draft is exactly 7 weeks away from today, and a lot can change in that time.

Website

Draft Pick

Date

CBS Sports Projection

Overall

Position

Drafttek

Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State

03/20/2014

32

6

CBS Sports Analysis:

STRENGTHS: Near-tight end size (6-5, 235) with a ridiculously large wingspan, giving him a catching radius that is probably on-par with anyone at the NFL level.

Shows the gliding speed and short-area quickness to create some separation and be a terror in jump-ball situations, especially in the red zone. Big hands, good hand-eye coordination and impressive body control to snatch passes outside of his frame. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder.

Experienced playing outside and in the slot and shows courage in crossing the middle. Tough to bring down in the open field, using his long arms to effectively stiff-arm defenders and showing suddenness to accelerate once the ball is in his hands. Attentive downfield blocker who works to seal off defenders as well as peel back to take out opponents in pursuit.

WEAKNESSES: Still developing as a route-runner, adding to questions about his ability to play a large role immediately in the NFL. While his size is problematic for defenders, Benjamin's length makes it difficult for him to sink his hips and explodes out of cuts, making him much better suited to verticals and crossing routes than double-moves, limiting his fit to certain schemes.

Drops too many passes. Allows the ball into his chest too often. Will take his eyes off the ball in an attempt to make the defender miss before actually securing the pass, leading to an occasional ugly drop. Seems to especially struggle with low passes, a problem for many taller receivers.

COMPARES TO: Plaxico Burress, Pittsburgh Steelers - Possessing impressive acceleration and a similar frame as the 6-5, 232-pound Burress, Benjamin is a big play waiting to happen. The junior remains rough around the edges, however, making him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect.

Height: 6' 5" Weight: 240lbs

Previous Pick: Zack Martin, OT/OG, Notre Dame

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Kelvin Benjamin

CSN Washington

Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois

03/19/2014

42

1(SS)

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: 5'11" Weight: 193lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Jimmie Ward

Walter Football (Walter)

Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois

03/19/2014

42

1(SS)

Reasoning: "The Redskins wanted to address the safety position this offseason. All they've done so far is bring Brandon Meriweather back, which is not enough. They're talking to Ryan Clark, but if that doesn't work out, they'll consider a safety at No. 34."

Height: 5'11" Weight: 193lbs

Previous Pick: Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Jimmie Ward

Walter Football (Charlie)

CJ Mosley, ILB, Alabama

03/17/2014

21

1

Reasoning: "The Redskins re-signed Perry Riley and picked up Daryl Sharpton to help their run defense, but the team needs a true replacement for London Fletcher. Sharpton is just a short-term fix.

Multiple sources told WalterFootball.com that they expect Mosley is expected to slide. There are concerns about his knee, and linebackers have been sliding in the draft anyway - see Manti Te'o. In 2013, Mosley totaled 102 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and five passes broken up. The senior showcased a well-rounded game with good run defense, pass coverage and blitzing ability.

In 2012, Mosley stepped up to set the tone for the Crimson Tide defense and helped lead the team to another National Championship. He was excellent and led the program in tackles with 107. The junior also notched two interceptions, four sacks, eight tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and two passes broken up.

The 6-foot-2, 232-pounder had an excellent debut in 2010. The freshman was third in tackles on Alabama's defense with 67. He also had 10 pass breakups and two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns. Mosley was banged up some in 2011 and totaled only 37 tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss.

Mosely thrives in pass coverage, so he is tailor-made for an NFL defense. Mosley has a lot of talent and had a very productive career for Nick Saban."

Height: 6' 2" Weight: 234 lbs

Previous Pick: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: CJ Mosley

Yahoo Sports(Edholm)

Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

03/18/2014

47

6

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 gnerate 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.

Height: 6'6" Weight: 314lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Morgan Moses

The Draft Report

Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood

03/19/2014

73

9

CBS Sports Analysis:

STRENGTHS: Sports a lean, athletic build with excellent height for the position. Fluid athlete with light feet, flexibility and balance. Has a low backpedal, controlled transition and is a smooth accelerator with good top-end speed. Trusts his athleticism, showing the patience to allow receivers to get close before opening his hips to turn and run downfield.

Aggressively closes on underneath routes. Locates the ball well, showing good hand-eye coordination and body control to adjust to make the tough grab. Has dominated lower-level competition based largely on his natural gifts.

With refining, Desir could emerge as an NFL starter.

WEAKNESSES: Overly reliant on his athleticism and may need significant development from a technical standpoint before competing for playing time in the NFL. Dominated lower level of competition and rarely had to extend his arm to jam receivers when in press coverage, which led to struggles with quicker receivers during the all-star game circuit.

Plays with cover corner mentality against the run, making the tackle when necessary but showing less-than-ideal physicality when attempting to fight through blocks and when making tackles.

COMPARES TO: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Denver Broncos - Like DRC, Desir possesses intriguing size, athleticism and ball-skills. With improved physicality -- especially in run support -- Desir could emerge as a legitimate NFL starter.

Height: 6'1" Weight: 198 lbs

Previous Pick: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

Fanspeak(Willy)

Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama

03/20/2014

15

1

CBS Sports Analysis:

STRENGTHS: Possesses a lanky, athletic build with light feet, excellent fluidity and straight-line speed to handle deep and nickel coverage responsibilities. Good awareness. Tracks the action well, showing impressive key and diagnosis skills to get a jump on the ball or when attacking the line of scrimmage in run support. Decisive. When he sees the play developing Clinton-Dix doesn't waste time debating, instead exploding towards the ball, showing explosive closing ability. Very good ball-skills. Can climb the ladder and extend outside of his frame to pluck the ball. Physical defender, who looks to deliver the intimidating shot.

WEAKNESSES: Highly aggressive and therefore will occasionally be fooled by misdirection and play-action. Barrels towards the line of scrimmage and leaving cut-back lanes for nifty athletes to exploit. Lowers his shoulder to lay the intimidating hit on ball-carriers and fails to wrap up, at times, relying the collision to knock the opponent to the ground.

COMPARES TO: Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks - Few free safeties possess Thomas' blend of agility, closing speed and ball-skills. Should Clinton-Dix continue to improve, he could soon join Thomas as a Pro Bowler.

Height: 6'1" Weight: 208 lbs

Previous Pick: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix

U-T San Diego

Ryan Shazier, ILB, Ohio State

03/19/2014

28

3(OLB)

Reasoning: "The Redskins need help all over their defense. Shazier had a vertical jump of 42, the best of any player at the combine. He also demonstrated a knack for making big plays while at Columbus. Top needs: DB, ILB, OL."

CBS Sports Analysis:

STRENGTHS: Rangy athlete with terrific closing acceleration and burst. Explosive first step as a blitzer to force the QB from his spot. Very good bend off the edge with momentum to fight through blocks and disrupt the pocket. Flexible ankles and flattens easily.

Uses his length well at the point of attack with good take-on strength to deliver a pop, filling hard vs. the run. Eyes are always elevated with good ball vision and anticipation. Breaks down well on the move and gets low, showing clear improvement with his tackling technique.

Smart and puts himself in correct position to make plays. Sniffs out the ball and almost always finishes when he's in the area. Never quits working to the ball and relentless in pursuit.

Team leader and uplifting teammate with strong personal and football character. Versatile skill-set to drop in coverage, blitz and cover both sidelines. Very productive career with back-to-back seasons with 115-plus tackles, including a conference-best 143 stops in 2013.

WEAKNESSES: Lean frame and lacks elite bulk. Doesn't have the body type to get too much bigger. Needs to continue to get stronger to better shed at the point of attack. Too easily engulfed when attacking the line of scrimmage.

Sometimes content throwing his shoulder and not wrapping up. Overaggressive at times in coverage and needs patient and alert. Will lose track of his assignment in man.

Needs to stay disciplined and tidy up his timing to avoid late hits and unnecessary flags. Needs to keep his composure and keep his emotions in check. History of minor injuries that have caused him to miss playing time.

COMPARES TO: Lavonte David, Buccaneers - While he's not quite as refined or tough as David, Shazier has a similar body type and movement skills to cover a large area and be a ultra-productive tackler at the next level.

Height: 6'1" Weight: 237 lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Ryan Shazier

NFL Mocks

Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi St

03/10/2014

50

3

CBS Sports Analysis:

STRENGTHS: Demonstrates not only the raw power expected of a man of his size but also surprisingly nimble feet and balance while in pass protection, to mirror quick rushers. Jackson plays with excellent knee bend and has long arms, which help him stay square and in control of his opponent in pass pro. He's a powerful drive blocker who uses his natural leverage advantage well, showing good leg drive to push defenders off the ball. Despite his girth, Jackson shows good lateral agility and balance to find fits at the second level. Defenders are seldom able to disengage once Jackson locks in. Is not satisfied with simply occupying space, and prides himself on pancaking and rag-doll'ing opponents. Does a nice job of absorbing the bull rush with his lower half, and rarely surrenders more than a step or two before resetting and anchoring. Comes off the snap quickly and gets up to speed quickly when asked to pull.

WEAKNESSES: Doesn't appear quite as comfortable in space, particularly when headhunting at the second level, as he struggles to break down and redirect with suddenness. Is slow to go vertical when navigating through "trash" and will get tangled up. Tends to zone in when competing one-on-one, and will lose awareness of his surroundings at times. Drops his head and throws himself at defenders too often, and will get caught over-extending in pass protection.

COMPARES TO: Larry Warford, Guard, Detroit Lions - Jackson's rare and surprising combination of size, quickness and power should remind a lot of scouts of the 2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Warford. Like the former Kentucky Wildcat, Jackson possesses the power to dominate opponents physically, while displaying quickness and fluidity to wall off the interior pass rush, and exhibits the burst and awareness to get down field and block for the run. Look for teams to value Jackson higher than they did Warford, after the 2013 3rd round selection took the league by storm last season, with many of the same traits.

Height: 6' 3" Weight: 336 lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Gabe Jackson

New NFL Draft(John)

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

03/14/2014

33

4

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

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Kyle Fuller

Draft Countdown

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

3/09/2014

33

4

Height: 6' Weight: 190 lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Kyle Fuller

Optimum Scouting

Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

03/12/2014

30

3

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' 9" Weight: 189 lbs

The Draft Site

Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida

-

47

6

CBS Sports Analysis:

STRENGTHS: Good size and length for the position and uses his long arms to disrupt receivers. Fluid movement skills with quick feet and body control to blanket in coverage - smooth hips and balanced transition in bump-and-run.

Good route anticipation and stays patient and controlled, but also the recovery quickness to take chances. Instinctive and alert to make positive plays on the ball. Barely gets lost with a good feel in coverage, understanding when to look for the ball.

Very physical and fearless in coverage and aggressive in pursuit. Works hard to gain ideal body position and knows how to use the sideline. Excellent competitor and won't back down from bigger targets. Experience on special teams as a punt returner. Has worked hard to get stronger in the weight room.

WEAKNESSES: Needs to improve his discipline in coverage - too much physical contact downfield. Will get lackadaisical at times with his technique and play too tall or get grabby. Has the read/react quickness to click-and-close in a hurry but needs to do it more consistently on underneath throws - will allow his hips to be turned too easily in bail technique.

Needs to consistently wrap to finish hits and break down better in space - lack of strength shows vs. the run.

Durability concerns after battling knee and ankle injuries over his career - missed five games in 2013. Character needs investigated after an alcohol arrest in Sept. 2011 and a one-game suspension in 2013 (vs. South Carolina) for a violation of team rules.

COMPARES TO: Alterraun Verner, CB, Tennessee Titans - Like Verner, Roberson isn't the biggest or fastest, but they both use their length well and use foot quickness and instincts to be effective.

Height: 6' Weight: 191 lbs