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Mock the Nation

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

Chris Trotman

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.

This is the 10th Mock Draft Roundup for this offseason, and we should already be finished with the 1st round of the NFL Draft.  The Redskins would be 1 pick away from ending all the speculation about pick #34, and the Hogs Haven would have a new player to fall in love with, or tear apart.  But Commissioner Goodell has decreed that we need two more weeks of mock drafts, and here we are again.

This week we have two prospects who have been projected to the Redskins by multiple websites.  OT Cyrus Kouandjio has become the clear favorite with 5 sites giving him to the Redskins at #34.  DE Ra'Shede Hageman was only projected twice to the Redskins this time, but has consistently been linked to this team.   Both of these players are considered 1st round talents, but both have question marks that could drop them to the Redskins pick.

OLB Jeremiah Attaochu is a new name, but a name that Redskins fans should be familiar with since he was invited to visit with the team this month.  The Redskins are reportedly looking at OLBs in this draft for depth or insurance for Brian Orakpo.  Pick #34 might seem high for Attaochu, but he is a projected 2nd round pick and pass rushers rise closer to draft day.  CB Pierre Desir returns to the list this week, and could also hear his name called on Day 2, I just doubt it will be for the Redskins.  Who is the best of the bunch, and what other 1st round talent will be available for the Redskins at the top of the 2nd round this year?

Players Added:

Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech
Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood

Players Removed:

Timmy Jernigan, DT, FSU
Marcus Martin, C, USC
Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU
Joel Bitonio, OT/G, Nevada

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Website

Draft Pick

Date

CBS Sports Projection

Overall

Position

Drafttek

Kelvin Benjamin, WR, FSU

04/24/2014

56

10

Reasoning: "Among WRs, 26 of the top 30 TD producers are over 6'1", accounting for 85% of the touchdowns among this group. In contrast, shorter receivers dominate yards gained between the twenties. So, what do these figures mean for the Redskins? Well, even though the Redskins' passing attack seems to be stacked with the additions of Jackson and Roberts to Reed and Garcon, only Reed is over 6'0" and Hankerson tore his ACL late in the season. The addition of Kelvin Benjamin would give the Redskins an Alshon Jeffrey-type receiver to add to this group and will make the Redskins a dangerous team in the red zone, and not just in between the 20s.

Height: 6' 5" Weight: 240 lbs

Alternative Picks: David Yankey, OG, Stanford; Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi State

3rd Round Selection: Jonathan Dowling, FS, Western Kentucky

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Kelvin Benjamin

CSN Washington

Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

04/23/2014

34

4

Reasoning: "All the receiving toys won't matter if RGIII doesn't have the time to throw. Dr. James Andrews says the DeMatha product's knees are good. Jay Gruden wants big linemen, here you go.

Previous Pick: Joel Bitonio, OT/G, Nevada

3rd Round Pick: Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska

Height: 6'7" Weight: 322 lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Cyrus Kouandjio

Draft Countdown

Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

4/21/2014

33

4

Height: 6'7" Weight: 322  lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Cyrus Kouandjio

Mocking the Draft

Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

04/21/2014

34

4

Reasoning: "The only thing preventing Cyrus Kouandjio from being a first-round pick is the concern over his knee, which was flagged at the combine during medical evaluations. The Redskins are looking to add talent to their offensive line, so if Kouandjio passes a physical he would be a smart pick at 34.."

Height: 6'7" Weight: 322  lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Cyrus Kouandjio

CBS Sports(Rang)

Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

04/21/2014

33

4

Height: 6'7" Weight: 322  lbs

Previous Pick: Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Cyrus Kouandjio

FFToolbox(Niemi)

Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

04/18/2014

33

4

Reasoning: "Cyrus Kouandjio would not only provide additional protection for RG3 at RT, but a lineman of his size would open holes in the running game, making him an ideal fit with the Redskins. Speaking of which, let's get the Redskins to change their name to the Pigskins. It's not racist, it's a football reference that pay homage to Washington's fan base of the 1980's, they could still call themselves The Skins, and a new hog related logo could help the team sell a boatload of merchandise...Seems like a win-win situation if you ask me."

Height: 6'7" Weight: 322  lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Cyrus Kouandjio

Walter Football (Walter)

Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

04/24/2014

37

5

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.

Previous Pick: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

3rd Round Pick: Carl Bradford, LB, Arizona State

Height: 6'6" Weight: 314 lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Morgan Moses

Walter Football (Charlie)

CJ Mosley, ILB, Alabama

04/21/2014

22

1

Reasoning: "The Redskins need a long-term replacement for London Fletcher. Keenan Robinson hasn't been able to stay healthy to prove he is that guy. 

Multiple sources told WalterFootball.com that they expect Mosley 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

3rd Round Pick: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: CJ Mosley

NFL Draft Bible

Chris Borland, ILB, Wisconsin

4/17/2014

79

2

CBS Sports Analysis:

STRENGTHS: Heady, passionate player. Consistently diagnoses action correctly, attacking seams to make plays near the line of scrimmage and showing better than advertised speed and change of direction while dropping into coverage. He is a no-nonsense LB, showing impressive pop and determination to get to the ball. Borland is disciplined in space and is rarely fooled, showing good body positioning and timing in coverage.

WEAKNESSES: Despite stellar production, Borland's pedestrian size and athleticism hurt, but there is some validity to the Zach Thomas comparisons. He lacks elite speed and range to consistently play sideline-to-sideline, but effort and motor aren't questions - his body and mind are always at full-go. Lack of length shows near the line of scrimmage.

Height: 6' Weight: 248 lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Chris Borland

The Draft Report

Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood

04/24/2014

93

12

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

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Pierre Desir

Draft Breakdown

Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB, Georgia Tech

04/21/2014

48

5

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.

3rd Round Selection: Lamarcus Joyner, CB, Florida State

Height: 6'3" Weight: 252 lbs

Attaochu Meets with Redskins

Yahoo Sports(Edholm)

Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois

04/22/2014

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

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Jimmie Ward

CBS Sports(Brugler)

Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota

04/21/2014

33

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

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Ra'Shede Hageman

Bleeding Green Nation

Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota

04/23/2014

33

4(DT)

Height: 6'6" Weight: 310 lbs

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Ra'Shede Hageman

Ourlads

Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

4/25/2014

32

5

Reasoning: "Three-year starter. Missed the 2014 Orange Bowl with a knee injury. Best asset is his big time speed and athletic ability. Can be disruptive with corner blitzes. Recorded 13 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, and blocked two punts in 2013. Ball clubs will be enticed by his speed and athletic ability. Injury history. Questionable ball and visual skills."

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

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Bradley Roby

UT San Diego

Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

04/24/2014

29

4

Reasoning: "The Redskins need help all over their defense. While Verrett is a bit undersized, he changes directions and breaks on the ball with ease. His ball skills are towards the top of this corner class. Top needs: DB, ILB, OL."

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

Previous Pick: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

3rd Round Selection: Trent Murphy, OLB, Stanford

Hogs Haven Draft Profiles: Jason Verrett

NFL Trade Rumors

Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

04/25/2014

40

5(DT)

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

Hogs Haven Draft Profile: Stephon Tuitt

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