Mock Draft: A look at how the Redskins draft could play out using OTC

Every week I will do at least one Mock draft simulation using On the Clock to project the Redskins draft strategy. Last Friday a user kkindley had the idea to base my Redskins mock draft on how the free agency simulation played out for the Redskins. So this week's mock draft is based on last week's free agency simulation that you can follow along here.

To recap: the Redskins cut- Stephen Bowen, Barry Cofield, Tracy Porter, Pierre Garcon, Logan Paulsen, Chris Chester and Kory Lichtensteiger.

No players were re-signed in this simulation, and the Redskins made the following signings: G Mike Iupati, RT Derek Newton, C Brian de la Puerte, CB Kyle Arrington, S Marcus Gilchrest, S Dwight Lowery, QB Shaun Hill, TE Jermaine Gresham, and DL Stephen Paea.

With that in mind here is the mock draft I came up with (without trades): http://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/draft.php?d=bzibyq

5: R1P5
DT MALCOM BROWN
TEXAS

38: R2P6
C CAMERON ERVING
FLORIDA STATE

69: R3P5
CB JOSH SHAW
USC

102: R4P6
WR BRESHAD PERRIMAN
UCF

133: R5P5
TE JESSE JAMES
PENN STATE

166: R6P6
CB NICK MARSHALL
AUBURN

197: R7P5
S SAM CARTER
TCU

Logic behind my picks:

Round 1:

Though I feel I could still go after pretty much any player after the free agency period, I did feel that OL was some what addressed with 3 signings, including two long term ones. Pass rusher was tempting, but I figured I'd give the Murphy/Freeney combo a year to see what they have got. One thing I was lacking after free agency was a nose tackle, and that is why i went with Malcom Brown. While many would probably prefer Danny Shelton, I think Brown is a more complete player and a better fit for the suggestion of a move to more of a 1-gap scheme. A 3 man DL of Hatcher, Paea, and Brown with Chris Baker as the primary back-up could be pretty good and cause a lot of disruption in the backfield.

Round 2:

Cameron Erving is just too good of value to pass up. With de la Puerte signed for only one year Erving could battle Lauvao and Long for the other guard opening next season, or he should just be a super utility back-up for a year (he can back-up any position along the OL) while he bides his time for the center job to open up. The value here long term was extremely high and even if he sits a year it's worth it.

Round 3:

Josh Shaw is one of my favorite players in the draft, he's underrated due to the bizarre way he injured himself last summer and then lied about it. On the field he's a very good player and better than where his draft stock currently projects him. He's a big physical corner who isn't afraid to press anyone. With Kyle Arrington signed to cover the slot, Shaw can push David Amerson for the starting corner gig opposite Breeland. If Amerson wins the job and keeps it then Shaw offers versatility to back-up corner spot and maybe even free safety, while being an excellent special teams player. A corner group of Breeland, Arrington, Amerson, Shaw and Hall looks pretty good on paper and offers plenty of depth if Hall can't come back effectively from the injury and/or Amerson doesn't develop.

Round 4:

Breshad Perriman would be an excellent mid-round pick-up to help make-up for the loss of Garcon. The Redskins could use size, jumping ability, and a physical presence at wide receiver and Perriman offers all of that at mid-round value. On top of his 6'3" 215 size Perriman is the son of the talented Brett Perriman who had a good 10 year career in the NFL. He's a bit more raw than some other prospects and is similar to Martavias Bryant from a year ago who was still around in the 4th round. While he might not replace all of Garcon's production in year one, he will help considerably in the red zone where the Redskins lack size.

Round 5:

Jesse James is another player who helps add size to the Redskins receivers and tight ends who not counting Logan Paulsen (Paulsen really wasn't an offensive weapon) peaked with TE Jordan Reed at 6'3". Jesse James had a disappointing Junior year for Penn State, but there was a coaching change and they didn't seem to feature tight ends as much. James is 6'7" 250+ and could be this year's Travis Kelce and will get some comparisons to the guy Kelce is often compared to, Rob Gronkowski. In free agency the Redskins signed Jermaine Gresham, so James would have time to develop (that is until Jordan Reed inevitably goes down with injury). James would be a nice chess piece for the Redskins to pick up, because he and Gresham could both be inline TE's who can flex outside, which is what Gruden liked to do in Cincinnati. That way the Redskins could really just keep Reed in the joker role which keeps him away from blocking as much as possible, and may keep him healthier. Also James at 6'7" and Gresham at 6'5" would present two really nice red zone threats (not to mention Perriman a round above).

Round 6:

Nick Marshall is a cornerback project as he works from converting from QB. Though he's raw as a corner, he has electric athletic ability, and excellent size at 6'1". He probably won't offer much as a rookie, but he could help on special teams and has a lot of long term value. With additions like Shaw and Arrington the Redskins could give him a year or two to develop and reach his potential. Even if he never fully becomes a capable starter, he should always have some special teams ability given his size and speed.

Round 7:

Sam Carter is not a guy who projects to develop into a top starter down the road, but what he offers is consistency, special teams ability and leadership. He's a guy who is a strong safety only at the next level and he isn't going to be the most athletic guy, but he succeeds with instincts and smarts. He's in many ways like Reed Doughty, and could fill a similar role as a back-up SS who succeeds in the box, and plays very good special teams. Carter is not afraid to take on a leadership role, and has been a 2nd team All-Big 12 selection for 3 straight years.

What do you think? Let me know what you would do differently either in general or using this free agency plan with your mock draft in the comments below.