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The Redskins finally found their new Defensive Coordinator when they officially hired former San Diego Chargers LBs coach Joe Barry this week. His first order of business was travelling down to this year's Senior Bowl to scout and interview the talent down there. The Redskins were reportedly very interested in Leonard Williams, but most projections have him as a top 3 pick. Another big name at the Senior Bowl, who has quickly risen to a top 10 pick is Washington NT Danny Shelton. He had a mixed week in practice and in the game, but he still appears as a possible Redskins pick at #5 this week. We have our usual mix of pass rushers with Randy Gregory still being mocked to the Redskins more than any other defender.
On the offensive side of the ball there are three offensive tackles this week with Andrus Peat getting the most love this week followed by Brandon Scherff , and then La'el Collins, who joins the roundup for the first time this week. As Ken Meringolo will tell you(repeatedly), the offensive line needs to be addressed this year. The question is does it have to be at #5, or is there enough depth later on? And just gits and shiggles, we have WR Amari Cooper returning to the roundup, but we are still QB-free!
Weekly Mock Draft Roundup:
La'el Collins, OT, LSU
The opinions about Collins vary. Some consider him a very good left tackle prospect. Others think he's a guard. This is absolutely his draft ceiling, but he's a tough and physical player who could fit in Washington's scheme. He could be brought in as the team's right tackle and give them a player opposite Trent Williams who can maul defenders.
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Jay Gruden's success as the play-caller in Cincinnati came with one of the league's biggest offensive lines. He inherited one of the smallest in Washington and there is no question that upgrading the talent there will be an offseason priority. Not everyone sees Scherff (or any offensive lineman this year) as a top 10 talent, but he plays with the grit and physicality Washington is lacking and would be an immediate upgrade at right tackle.
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Some may think Scherff doesn't project well at left tackle, which means he probably wouldn't go this high. I believe the Outland Trophy winner will be solid at either tackle position and was also the most dominating run blocker in college football. He possesses the nasty attitude that can help transform an offensive line (See: Martin, Zack). Top needs: DB, DL, OL
5. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins): Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State
Projected Trade: The Washington Redskins trade the No. 5 overall pick to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for the Nos. 10 and 41 overall selections.
It's possible Winston could still be available at the No. 10 overall pick, but if the Rams decide to target him, they will have to move up above the quarterback-needy New York Jets, who hold the sixth pick, to ensure the opportunity to draft him.
This wouldn't be the first time the Rams and Redskins have made a high-profile draft trade around a quarterback. Just three years ago, the Rams traded the No. 2 overall pick, which Washington used to select Robert Griffin III, in exchange for three first-round picks and a second-round pick.
That trade went decidedly in the Rams' favor, but St. Louis is in a different position than Washington was then. Having used those extra picks to build a solid roster over the past three years, the Rams could be a quarterback upgrade away from becoming a serious playoff contender.
The Redskins, on the other hand, have a depth chart full of holes, partially because of that trade. So if Washington can stay within the top 10 and pick up an extra second-round pick, it would be smart to add another asset to work with.
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Whether the Washington Redskins stay put at the No. 5 overall pick or trade down, Brandon Scherff should be at or near the top of their board.
Having allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL last season, the Redskins have a major need to improve their offensive line. Hiring offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who led arguably the best offensive line in the NFL this past season with the Dallas Cowboys, should help. But Washington needs to give him more talent to work with.
Scherff could be Callahan's new version of Zack Martin. An excellent left tackle at Iowa, Scherff does not quite have the length NFL teams desire at the position, but he should be able to flourish in a move inside to guard, where the Redskins need to upgrade. He could also fill a need at right tackle.
Listed at 6'5" and 320 pounds, Scherff is powerful, nasty and quick off the snap. If Washington has any chance of being successful in 2015 with Robert Griffin III at quarterback, it needs to give him players like Scherff up front who can give him time against the pass-rush.
Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
May be a bit high for a right tackle, but the Redskins desperately need offensive line help for whatever QB they decide on. Peat isn't the most flashy or athletic, but he had a great season and could be the first lineman off the board.
Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Whoever is going to be Washington's quarterback next year would probably do better if he's protected
Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
Peat is my top offensive tackle in this year's class, and the Redskins would be a perfect fit for him. Washington already has Trent Williams, who had an impressive year at left tackle. Peat is extremely raw but has plenty of upside. The Redskins could plug him in inside or at right tackle and let him develop into a great OT.
Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Nobody will be shocked if Williams is taken as early as No. 1, but he could slide to No. 5 due to the top four having other needs. If that is the case, then the Redskins will sprint to the podium to take him.
Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Possibly the best player in the draft, Washington ignores the immediate need and selects BPA.
Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Danny Shelton is my #2 rated defensive player in the draft right now. As said, there aren't many elite players - Shelton is a rare player. The Redskins could use a guy like him.
Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
The first Florida State player off the board in this mock, Goldman gives the Redskins a powerful interior presence who can both finish as a pass-rusher and eat space at the line to bolster both aspects of the defense. A pass-rusher could be an option here as well.
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Some may point out that Amari Cooper does not fit a position of need, but new general manager Scot McCloughan is not one to pass on the best player available.
With that in mind, look for the revamped front office to draft smart and better build around its quarterbacks.
Cooper, one of three Heisman finalists at run-first Alabama, is a great way to do that.
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Brian Orakpo might have played his final game as a Redskin, and if Washington is to fix its lackluster defense, adding another pass-rusher to complement Ryan Kerrigan would be ideal. Gregory fits the mold of an NFL outside linebacker at 6'6" and 245 pounds. He has a nice variety of moves, good speed and a nice burst that makes him a constant threat off the edge.
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
The Redskins have hired former Chargers LB coach Joe Barry as their new Defensive Coordinator. As John Keim of ESPN has reported, the first pick for Washington is likely going to be Barry's new toy. Do not underestimate the fact that our new DC has had success with linebackers in pass-rush with far less talent than Randy Gregory. Gregory has been compared to Aldon Smith in scouting circles, though he needs to gain weight and become stronger at the point of attack against the run. At 6'6" and only 245 lbs, Gregory has the frame to add upwards of thirty pounds and still remain effective as an outside linebacker. This is where comparisons to Julius Peppers are also valid. With Gregory, the Redskins would have two consistent OLBs to attack opposing quarterbacks, something they have lacked since switching to the 3-4 defense.
Alternate #1: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson; Alternate #2: Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
With Brian Orakpo set to hit free agency, pass rusher will be high on the Redskins' wish list. Fowler projects best to the NFL as a stand-up edge rusher, using his relentless energy to be effective disrupting the pocket.
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Redskins are not filling a primary need at all. Brian Orakpo is heading for free agency, but they still have Ryan Kerrigan and 2014 second-rounder Trent Murphy. However, Shane Ray is the best player on the board, so I don't think Washington will be able to pass on him, given how this has played out with Ronnie Stanley headed back to school. Besides, the Redskins can rotate three talented pass-rushers, and Ray will give them depth at a key position.
2nd Round pick: Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
There's a change here. Previously, and for several weeks, I had the Redskins taking offensive tackle Andrus Peat. They have to find more protection for RG3. Here, the higher rated player that also fills a huge need is defensive end Shane Ray from Missouri.
Landon Collins, S, Alabama
The Redskins defensive backfield was injured, inexperienced and at times embarrassing down the stretch last season. There was little position coach Raheem Morris could do with the unit come December, when it was 35-year-old Ryan Clark alongside a bunch of kids. Collins is my top-rated defensive back in this draft and can play either the free or strong safety spots in the pros. A 6-foot, 220-pound force in the middle, he's that center fielder the Redskins defense has so sorely missed in the back end. Alabama defensive backs have been a mixed bag in recent years, but Collins is a can't-miss.