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're now less than a month away from the NFL Draft, and prospects are in the next stage of the draft process, visiting teams. The Redskins reportedly had visits, or scheduled visits, with at least 4 players already this week. Every team is allowed to have 30 private workouts at their facilities, plus a local prospect workout day, but these visits are part smokescreen, part serious interest.
Last week we had Mel Kiper Jr offer up a 3 round "Grade A" Mock Draft, this week, his ESPN counterpart Todd McShay has put together a 2 round mock which includes his first prediction for the Redskins this offseason. McShay projects Alabama OT Cyrus Kouandjio for the Skins at #34, which goes along with this weeks mock draft theme of rebuilding the trenches. This week features two OTs, two OGs, and two DEs with the same names consistently showing up every week.
There is only one WR projected, FSU's Kelvin Benjamin, who reportedly blew off a private workout with an NFL coach because he had a case of the sleepies. Last week's roundup featured several WRs, but the mock draft community has finally caught up with the DeSean Jackson signing. We are also seeing less secondary option every week. This week only offers two CBs and one safety option. There are also no linebacker options, but the Redskins have been looking at several 1st-2nd round OLBs this week. What positions/players aren't being projected to the Redskins that should be?
Players Added:
Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
Players Removed:
Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU
Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Marqise Lee, WR, UCLA
Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss
Website |
Draft Pick |
Date |
CBS Sports Projection |
||||||
Overall |
Position |
||||||||
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, FSU |
04/9/2014 |
32 |
6 |
||||||
Reasoning: "The Redskins just signed DeSean Jackson and have a formidable receiving corps. With Jackson, Garcon, Reed, Roberts, and Hankerson, the Redskins have one of the better WR groups in the league, and we haven't even talked about Alfred Morris in the backfield or RGIII under center. However, the Redskins lack height among this group, and if the upside of Kelvin Benjamin fell into their laps, the Redskins would have a tough time passing him up. Kelvin Benjamin has imposing size and he moves remarkably well for his massive frame. While Benjamin needs to work on routine-catch concentration, he consistently attacks the ball in the air and makes big plays in the red zone. Height: 6' 5" Weight: 240 lbs Previous Pick: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Alternative Picks: David Yankey, OG, Stanford; Zach Martin OT/OG, Notre Dame
|
|||||||||
Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia |
04/8/2014 |
42 |
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 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. 3rd Round Pick: Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska
Height: 6'6" Weight: 314 lbs
|
|||||||||
David Yankey, OG, Stanford |
04/9/2014 |
37 |
2 |
||||||
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 Previous Pick: Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA 3rd Round Pick: Terrence Brooks, FS, FSU |
|||||||||
Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia |
04/07/2014 |
27 |
3 |
||||||
Reasoning: "The Redskins made a couple nice signings to shore up their receivers, defensive line and secondary, but the team still could use more work on the offensive line. Jay Gruden is going to want to revamp the line for his offense. Moses could compete at guard as a rookie before taking over at right tackle in his second season. Height: 6'6" Weight: 314 lbs Previous Pick: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech 3rd Round Pick: Chris Borland, ILB, Wisconsin
|
|||||||||
Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama |
04/10/2014 |
36 |
5 |
||||||
CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Light on his feet, flexible, has broad shoulders and his arms are both long and strong. His weight is evenly distributed over his frame and he reportedly has just 16 percent body fat, an impressive number for any offensive lineman. Quick off the snap and has the lateral agility to slide left to right. Kouandjio uses his athleticism in pass protection well but he's even more impressive as a run blocker, consistently out-quicking defenders to create lanes. Kouandjio relies on good placement, strong hands and an explosive jolt to turn and sustain defenders. Perhaps most impressive is that Kouandjio plays at different speeds well. He shows very good patience in pass protection but can fire off the ball when needed. He possesses exciting quickness and mobility when blocking on the move, traits Coach Nick Saban and his staff took advantage of by asking the LT to pull and lead RBs, on occasion. WEAKNESSES: Choppy sliding into pass protection and has a tendency to drop his head upon contact, although he was significantly improved as his second season as a starter progressed in 2013. Excellent run blocker, although not a true mauler. COMPARES TO: Tyron Smith, OT, Dallas Cowboys - Kouandjio's lean, muscular frame and superb athleticism will remind scouts of the former USC Trojan and now-Cowboys starting left tackle, and he has at least as impressive a skill-set as his former linemate D.J. Fluker, who the Chargers took 11th overall in 2013. Height: 6' 7" Weight: 322 lbs
|
|||||||||
Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota |
04/07/2014 |
35 |
4(DT) |
||||||
Reasoning: "While the Redskins did bring in free agent Jason Hatcher, Hageman's value is just too great with this choice. Our 19th-rated player, Hageman provides depth, versatility and boundless upside." Height: 6'6" Weight: 310 lbs
|
|||||||||
Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota |
04/08/2014 |
35 |
4(DT) |
||||||
Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota |
04/10/2014 |
35 |
4(DT) |
||||||
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 |
|||||||||
Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA |
04/8/2014 |
25 |
1 |
||||||
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 |
|||||||||
Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA |
04/8/2014 |
25 |
1 |
||||||
Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
04/9/2014 |
31 |
4 |
||||||
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' 10" Weight: 189 lbs |
|||||||||
Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
04/11/2014 |
31 |
4 |
||||||
Reasoning: "Verrett would be a great pick for the Redskins as he fits one of their most pressing needs and has a first-round grade." Height: 5' 10" Weight: 189 lbs |
|||||||||
Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois |
4/2/2014 |
41 |
1 |
||||||
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: 193 lbs |
|||||||||
Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois |
4/2/2014 |
41 |
1 |
||||||
Reasoning: "The versatile, physical presence of Jimmie Ward being available for Washington has to be their best possible scenario." Height: 5' 11" Weight: 193 lbs |
|||||||||
Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State |
04/9/2014 |
33 |
5 |
||||||
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 |
|||||||||
Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame |
04/07/2014 |
40 |
5(DT) |
||||||
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 |