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Kyle Van Noy, Demarcus Lawrence, Marcus Smith, and possibly Scott Crichton are the players who have been reported to have visits with the Redskins. Georgia Tech OLB Jeremiah Attaochu's name has been added to that list according to ESPN980's Chris Russell, who reported this on the air with Fanspeak's Steve Shoup. All of these players are projected in the 2nd-4th round range, and the Redskins appear to be doing a lot of homework in case one of them falls to a spot where the value is too great to pass up.
Have heard the #Redskins are bringing in Georgia Tech OLB Jeremiah Attaochu for a visit in the next day or so.
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania980) April 17, 2014
Brian Orakpo spoke with Tarik El-Bashir today, and told him that he is working on a long term deal with the team, but it has been a slow process. He said he would be disappointed if the Redskins didn't sign him to a long term extension before the July 15th deadline for franchised players. Coach Gruden has said he wants Orakpo on the team, but he was willing to let him play out his franchise tag and then talk about his contract next offseason. The draft could be the best option available to be ready for the possibility that the two sides can not agree on the numbers for a new contract before Orakpo hits free agency.
Jeremiah Attaochu is currently ranked the #47 overall prospect, and projected to be drafted in the 2nd round. He had a partially torn hamstring prior to the NFL Combine, and did not participate in any of the drills. He did do drills including the 40 yard dash at Georgia Tech's Pro Day last month and wowed scouts with his performance.
Clocked Attaochu at 4.58 and a 4.63 forty. 37.5 VJ, 7.28 3-cone, 4.64 short shuttle. 1.55, 1.60 ten yard split.
— Kevin Weidl (@KevinW_ESPN) March 28, 2014
CBS Sports Analysis:
STRENGTHS: Looks the part with an athletic build and long arms, using his range to make plays all over the field. Good get-off quickness with the chase skills to track down the ballcarrier from behind and finish. Impressive blend of athleticism and strength to work off blocks and battle through the whistle.
Active with stunts and creative rushes to find ways to get to the pocket. Uses natural dip and bend to get around blockers.
Has shown improved recognition and gap integrity against the run, as well as patience when dropping back into coverage. Quick hands to rip at the ball as it arrives in coverage, and shows good overall football intelligence and work ethic.
WEAKNESSES: Will struggled to keep himself clean at contact. Looked like a fish out of water at the Senior Bowl when asked to played off the line of scrimmage as a traditional strong-side linebacker in a 4-3 alignment. Fiery player with a violent temperament, but needs to keep his wits on the field and control his intensity. Doesn't always appear to have a plan and will bite hard on play-fakes and get grabby in coverage.