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It's almost over. One week from tonight, the speculation ends, and the Redskins will make their picks in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft. The daily mock draft comments and posts will end. ESPN won't feel the need to have a Hair vs Nair Mock Draft Special. Then we can all move on to the I told you so, that was my guy, we signed Long Ding as an UDFA, Bruce is a genius phase.
We have one new name on the list this week, Weston Richburg, who replaces Marcus Martin as the only Center option on the list. The 4 areas that consistently get mocked to the Redskins at #34 are OL, DL, LB, and secondary. It's a little difficult to narrow it down too much when there will be 33 players off the board when your first pick is called, but these are definite need areas for the team. Will need match value at these spots, or will Bruce Allen and Jay Gruden go Wildcard on us and still take a WR or a TE here?
Players Added:
Players Removed:
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Website |
Draft Pick |
Date |
CBS Sports Projection |
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Overall |
Position |
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Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia |
04/30/2014 |
37 |
5 |
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Reasoning: "RGIII started the new year feeling like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Now, with the additions of a solid slot receiver in Andre Roberts, an elite field-stretcher/playmaker in DeSean Jackson, a bigger, stronger offensive guard in Shawn Lauvao, AND a stud right tackle in Morgan Moses? A player who is ranked #12 on Todd McShay's Big Board? That weight on RGIII's shoulders? Yeah, it just increased from planet Earth to the entire Milky Way Galaxy. Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen have now given RGIII every tool possible to succeed. As Osi Umenyiora might say, "Your move, Bob." Height: 6' 6" Weight: 314 lbs
Previous Pick: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, FSU
Alternative Picks: Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota; Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn
3rd Round Selection: Aaron Lynch, OLB, USF
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Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia |
04/29/2014 |
37 |
5 |
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Reasoning: "Right tackle Tyler Polumbus will be a free agent after this season, so the Redskins may want to add a potential replacement. As noted on the NFL Draft Rumors page, Tony Pauline reported that Morgan Moses won't fall beyond Washington at No. 34."
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: Lamarcus Joyner, CB/S, FSU Height: 6'6" Weight: 314 lbs
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Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia |
04/30/2014 |
37 |
5 |
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Height: 6' 6" Weight: 314 lbs
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Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois |
04/30/2014 |
34 |
1 |
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Reasoning: "That's right, no offensive lineman in this spot after weeks of just that. Primary plan remains top player at area of need. The playmaking Ward rising above other options. Plan B: OT Cyrus Kouandjio (Alabama/DeMatha)."
Previous Pick: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama 3rd Round Pick: Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State Height: 5'11" Weight: 193 lbs
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Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois |
05/1/2014 |
34 |
1 |
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Height: 5'11" Weight: 193 lbs
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Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama |
04/28/2014 |
31 |
4 |
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CBS Sports Analysis: STRENGTHS: Certainly looks the part of an NFL offensive lineman, boasting vines for arms (35 5/8 inches) and excellent overall weight distribution. He reportedly has just 16 percent body fat, an impressive number for any offensive lineman. He flashes good quickness 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 well at different speeds. 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 Alabama head coach Nick Saban and his staff took advantage of by asking the left tackle to pull and lead running backs, on occasion. WEAKNESSES: Not yet the sum of his parts. To this point Kouandjio continues to rely too much on his talent and shows limited technique. Choppy sliding into pass protection and has a tendency to drop his head upon contact. Some were disappointed with his decision to enter the draft after an inconsistent 2013 season. Too often is satisfied with simply walling off defenders rather than punishing them. Projects best at right tackle, a position he did not play at Alabama. Medical questions require further investigation. COMPARES TO: D.J. Fluker, San Diego Chargers - Like his former teammate, Kouandjio offers the physical skill-set to make scouts drool. He does not play with the tenacity or physicality that helped Fluker, a fiery competitor, impress in his first season in the NFL. Height: 6'7" Weight: 322 lbs |
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Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama |
4/30/2014 |
31 |
4 |
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Height: 6'7" Weight: 322 lbs |
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Weston Richburg, C, Colorado St |
04/30/2014 |
60 |
1 |
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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: 6'3" Weight: 298 lbs
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Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU |
04/30/2014 |
56 |
5 |
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CBS Sports Analysis:
STRENGTHS: Quick, instinctive linebacker with excellent reaction skills. Athletic enough in coverage, showing balance and change of direction. Locates the ball quickly and provides good effort in pursuit. Impressed at the Senior Bowl with his fluidity and instincts in coverage by closing quickly to bat away multiple passes during practices. Shows excellent play recognition, taking on blockers with the correct shoulder (allowing him to slide off would-be blockers and into ballcarriers easily) and is equally effective slipping into coverage or sliding past offensive linemen on his way toward a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. Surprised many coaches and teammates by returning for senior season, then battled through late-season injury to stay on the field and serve as the defense's leader. WEAKNESSES: Not an elite athlete overall. A bit slow to 'shoot his gun' when ballcarriers are running at him and relies too much on a simple bull-rush when coming off the edge. Wasn't as disruptive as a senior, in part due to opponents game-planning to avoid him. However, he was also without 2013 first-round pick DL Ziggy Ansah occupying blockers in front of him. Relies on instincts and efficiency, rather than physicality. Beats blockers to the action, rather than taking them on shedding violently and isn't an explosive tackler. Projects best as a traditional outside linebacker in the 4-3 alignment because of this lack of take-on mentality, though he has shown the ability to get to the quarterback. COMPARES TO: Chad Greenway, Vikings - Greenway might just be the best all-around outside linebacker in the NFL, and comparing any rookie to him is therefore hyperbole. Van Noy plays with similar instincts and efficiency, however, making plays behind the line of scrimmage as well as dropping back into coverage with impressive consistency. He isn't flashy or physically dominant, but ranks among the safer prospects in the 2014 draft. Height: 6'3" Weight: 243 lbs |
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Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
04/30/2014 |
26 |
4 |
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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: Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina |
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Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
04/28/2014 |
26 |
4 |
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Reasoning: "Redskins general manager Bruce Allen has done a nice job of filling needs this offseason. Washington could consider more talent at corner, and Verrett would give Raheem Morris a Ronde Barber-like corner. Height: 5'10" Weight: 189 lbs Previous Pick: CJ Mosley, ILB, Alabama 3rd Round Pick: Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee
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Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
5/1/2014 |
26 |
4 |
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Height: 5'10" Weight: 189 lbs
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Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
5/1/2014 |
26 |
4 |
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Height: 5'10" Weight: 189 lbs
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Chris Borland, ILB, Wisconsin |
5/1/2014 |
81 |
2 |
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Reasoning: "I don't pick until No. 34, but I still walk away with an immediate starter at a need position, and a guy who helps clean up a tackling problem that killed the defense last year? Sure."
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 3rd Round Pick: Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State |
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Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood |
04/25/2014 |
74 |
9 |
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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 |
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Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech |
04/29/2014 |
25 |
3 |
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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 |
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Joel Bitonio, OT, Nevada |
05/1/2014 |
41 |
3(OG) |
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Reasoning: "Jay Gruden must help Robert Griffin III get back on track in 2014. Upgrading the pass protection on the edges should help RGIII perform better from the pocket."
STRENGTHS: Highly effective collegiate left tackle who combines good quickness, strength and tenacity. More athletic than he looks, demonstrating light feet and balance to quickly fan outside to handle speed rushers. Plays on the balls of his feet and shows good lateral agility to mirror edge rushers. Strong hands to latch onto defenders and usually contains them throughout the play. Good quickness for the down block and in getting to the second level in the running game. Shows impressive power to drive defenders off the line and will knock them to the ground when he feels them off-balance. Competitive. Doesn't give up on the play, even if beaten initially. Handled top competition when given the opportunity, including in one-on-one matchups against UCLA's Anthony Barr. WEAKNESSES: Doesn't possess the ideal length or build to remain at left tackle in the NFL and may be best served moving inside to guard - a position he never played at Nevada. Appears to have shorter-than-ideal arms, an issue that explains why Bitonio occasionally falls off blocks or is beaten with an effective over-arm swim move. Can get fundamentally lazy and stop moving his feet, allowing himself to get over-extended. COMPARES TO: Marshall Newhouse, Green Bay Packers - Like the 6-4, 319-pound Newhouse, Bitonio's size looks better on paper than it does on tape, where his less-than-ideal arm length and thick middle seem to project best to guard. Also like Newhouse, however, Bitonio is surprisingly athletic and a savvy, competitive football player, who'll carve out a niche somewhere. Height: 6'4" Weight: 302 lbs 3rd Round Pick: Terrence Brooks, FS, FSU |
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Ra'Shede Hageman, DE, Minnesota |
04/28/2014 |
32 |
4(DT) |
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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 |
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Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State |
4/27/2014 |
33 |
5 |
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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 |
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Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame |
04/30/2014 |
47 |
5(DT) |
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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 |
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