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After weeks of stability in the mock draft world, we get the annual swerve right before the Combine so they can get people talking, and then adjust after the Underwear Olympics are over. We still have the usual cast of characters at outside linebacker, offensive line, and defensive line this week, and those remain the top areas projected for the Redskins at #5. This week we saw the return of a few positions that showed up early in the mock draft season like wide receiver(Amari Cooper), safety(Landon Collins), and quarterback(Jameis Winston).
There are two big trades to talk about in the mocks that are featured this week. The first involves the Redskins doing the trade that a lot of people hope will happen, but is probably a long shot to actually go through. The Redskins get both of the the Cleveland Browns 1st round picks(#12 and #19) and their 2016 2nd round pick in this scenario, and the Browns get the Redskins #5 pick to select their third 1st round QB in 4 years, Marcus Mariota. The Redskins use those picks to select NT Danny Shelton and CB Jalen Collins, I could live with that.
The second one doesn't directly involve the Redskins, but it does involve newly empowered Philadelphia Eagles god messiah Head Coach Chip Kelly pulling a Ditka and trading the team's entire 2015 draft, and their 1st round pick next year to the Tennessee Titans to get his dream QB, Marcus Mariota. People have been speculating since last year about what Chip Kelly was willing to give up to get his former college QB, and here is one scenario, and Mocking The Draft's Dan Kadar explains it along with the historical precedents for this type of trade. Would you give the Chipper his QB for that type of haul?
As the mock draft below shows, the highest Philadelphia would need to rise is to the No. 2 pick, belonging to the Tennessee Titans. Dropping that far in the first round is dangerous, but it makes some sense for the Titans. They have a roster thin on talent and could add several building blocks in a deep draft.
To project this trade, we have to get an understanding of similar blockbuster deals. The last time a team traded its entire draft (and more) for a single player was the New Orleans Saints in 1999. Head coach Mike Ditka coveted running back Ricky Williams and sent Washington first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh-round picks in 1999 and picks in the first and third rounds in 2000. New Orleans got their guy in Williams. Washington could have done more with their stock of picks, but decided to trade five of them to Chicago to draft cornerback Champ Bailey. The only thing that saved Washington from completely screwing this up was New Orleans being terrible the next season, which got Washington the No. 2 pick. In the end, Washington basically got Bailey and linebacker LaVar Arrington. Bailey was good, sure, but he only played for five seasons in Washington. Arrington was in Washington for just four seasons. Really, we all lost here.
Then there is the mythical Herschel Walker trade between the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota sent five players, three first- and second-round picks and one third- and sixth-round pick. Minnesota got Walker, two third-round picks, a fifth-round pick and a 10th-round pick. Dallas built a dynasty with that collection of picks and Walker played just three seasons for the Vikings. The trade is so infamous there's a dang Wikipedia page for it.
The most famous and recent blockbuster trade again involved Washington. They sent three first-round picks and a second-round pick to St. Louis to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Rams turned that pick into eight players, among them starters like Alec Ogletree, Michael Brockers and Janoris Jenkins on defense and last year's No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson. It's still too early to call a winner, especially with the way the Rams have remained mediocre, but they turned the pick into several starters. For the Titans, that would be the goal. How about this for the fake trade itself? Philadelphia gets the No. 2 overall pick and takes Mariota.
Tennessee gets Philadelphia's entire draft and a first-round pick in 2016. That brings it fairly close to what Washington got from New Orleans in the Williams trade. That would give Tennessee 14 picks this year. Those can be used to draft straight-up or position themselves to take the players they covet.
Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
Should Gregory "fall" in the draft, Washington would be smart to snap him up with the fifth overall pick. He has the athleticism to work in space and get after the quarterback. Playing wide on the outside would also mask some of Gregory's strength issues.
Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
Ryan Kerrigan already proved he is one of the NFL's best pass-rushers. However, the Redskins lack a true bookend for their 3-4 scheme.
Brian Orakpo was that guy, but his career has been stunted by numerous injuries, and he's about to enter free agency.
Enter Gregory, who is a smooth edge-rusher with ideal length and top-notch athleticism.
The Nebraska product admitted last week that he prefers to play in a 3-4 scheme from a two-point stance. In fact, Gregory went a step further and even said that one of the reasons he verbally committed to the Purdue Boilermakers before Nebraska was because of Kerrigan.
The duo can finally play together and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
Randy Gregory, DE, 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.
Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
The Redskins could use offensive line help and a safety, but they also could consider an edge rusher as they like the in-house offensive linemen drafted last year. Plus, I wouldn't be surprised if Washington signed Chargers safety Marcus Gilchrist in free agency. Redskins executive A.J. Smith drafted Gilchrist, while defensive coordinator Joe Barry knows him well. Barry will probably run a hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense, and Fowler is a perfect fit to pair with Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy.
Fowler finished 2014 with a total of 60 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss, one pass broken up and a forced fumble. He was extremely disruptive and a big presence behind the line of scrimmage. The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder is fast and physical. He has a lot of upside for the NFL. Fowler could play defensive end or stay as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Fowler was excellent for the Gators in 2013. He racked up 50 tackles with 10.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one pass batted and three forced fumbles for the season. Fowler was a First-Team All-SEC Freshman-Team selection in 2012 even though he was a backup. Fowler recorded 47 tackles with 10.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks that year.
Round 2
Cameron Erving, OT, Florida State
The Redskins add more offensive line competition and depth. With a draft pick to compete with Spencer Long and Morgan Moses, Washington should be set with an improved young line.
Erving struggled at left tackle in the first half of 2014, but part of it could be attributed to Florida State's alignment not allowing Erving to have depth in his stance. Florida State moved him to center, and Erving really played well in the middle of the line. Sources say they view him more as a right tackle or guard, but Erving has a lot of flexibility due to his athleticism and he could play possibly any position on the offensive line on game days.
Erving did a good job at protecting Jameis Winston in 2013. Erving also opened up a lot of holes in the ground game. The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder missed the 2010 season with a back injury. Erving then played defensive tackle in 2011 as a redshirt freshman backup. The Seminoles moved Erving to left tackle for 2012, and the sophomore ended up starting 14 games there.
Pick change; previously T.J. Clemmings, OT
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
There are a lot of directions Washington can go here, though they have a lot of offensive pieces in place. We can argue whether or not the quarterback situation is settled, but there's no way they draft Mariota here - though alternatively they could trade out and someone else could. With the Jets a likely quarterback landing spot, this is the place someone would jump into to cut them off.
Ray is a great pass-rusher though, and that's something Washington could use. After all, you can never have too many. Ray can beat blockers inside and out and bring pressure from any direction. As with many of the d-linemen you'll see go in the first round, ‘versatility' is a word which comes to mind here.
I think secondary continues to be a bigger need, but there's nobody I'd take quite this early.
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
If the Redskins resign Brian Orakpo, this pick will likely be an offensive tackle. Ray would be a solid replacement otherwise. Top needs: DB, DL, OL
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
Washington needs a pass rusher. Ray is explosive and totaled 13 sacks last season.
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri
Teams were able to pass on the Redskins with little-to-no worry in 2014. While there is a severe lack of talent within their secondary, the defensive backs in this draft class really haven't produced any top five overall grades. Instead of reaching for a cornerback or safety, the best route to improve their pass defense would be a dynamic edge rushing talent. Plain and simple, the Redskins defense had a hard time making the opposing quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket. They allowed a league-worst 108.3 QB rating and finished in the bottom third of the league in sacks. With the future of outside linebacker Brian Orakpo in a Washington uniform uncertain, Ray presents an opportunity for this defense to bring in arguably the top edge rushing talent in the class. He is as explosive as it gets and showed the ability to easily bend under blockers and turn the corner. He is a hyper-active athlete that needs more bulk, but will immediately upgrade the team's inconsistent pass rush.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Brian Orakpo is a dangerous pass-rusher when on the field, but the problem is he can't stay healthy. It's time for the Redskins to move on and Vic Beasley is an excellent fit for their system. Beasley is well-rounded pass rusher in that he features an equally effective speed and power move.
Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
Why not? One of Washington's biggest needs is for a defensive lineman and does anybody have a bad thing to say about Danny Shelton? The 335 pound Shelton put on a Aaron Donald esque show at the Senior Bowl and should only continue trending upwards after the NFL Combine. Shelton shows amazing quickness and hand use for a guy his size and I was recently blown away by a stat showing that Shelton played the second most snaps of any defensive tackle in the country. Washington's number one need is for a safety and although I like Landon Collins, he's not a top five prospect. Morgan Moses will probably get another year at right tackle, and with Kerrigan and Trent Murphy at OLB I have a hard time seeing them go there. Shelton can entirely change the way offenses look at Washington's defense.
TRADE: Washington Redskins receive: Cleveland's 1st(12), 1st(19), and 2nd round pick in 2016
Cleveland receives: Washington's 1st(5)
12. Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
Overhauling the defense is certainly on the to-do list for the Washington Redskins. Adding a difference-maker at nose tackle would be a great way to starter. Danny Shelton has the size-strength-quickness ratio to be a top 10 pick, so getting him at #12 is great news.
19. Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Big corner with the required agility and fluid motion to function in press coverage against the best receiver of every opponent. Comes from a proven factory at LSU and has the toughness to become a complete player for the Redskins.
2nd Round
Hau'oli Kikaha, OLB, Washington
Athletic, relentless pass rusher with great production. Injury history shows a red flag.
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
Jameis Winston, QB, FSU
Wow! Jameis Winston falls out of the top spot and lands in Washington to join in on the always-enjoyable quarterback drama. While this pick may seem outlandish because of the amount that the Redskins gave up for RGIII just two seasons ago, consider this: the Redskins have a new head coach, a new GM, and an owner that has soured on the once face-of-the-franchise. While most agree that Winston is the top talent at QB in this year's draft, and Todd McShay even claims Winston to be behind only Andrew Luck as a quarterback prospect coming out of college, the question is whether or not Jameis is the right human being for the job of NFL QB. One also has to wonder, can a player with a checkered past really reach his potential in an organization that has been such a circus this millenium? The District of Columbia just may find out.
Round 2
T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pitt
Who said the Redskins 2015 draft will be defense-heavy? Here, the Redskins have two straight players for the offense at the top of this draft. Jay Gruden wants to get bigger on the offensive line, and this pick will certainly do the job. Clemmings can step in right away at right tackle and Morgan Moses might be able to move inside and play guard. Our other Redskins offensive lineman from the 2014 draft, Spencer Long, could move to the left guard spot next year, as Shawn Lauvao could be a cap casualty due to poor play and his $4m cap hit. Effectively, the Redskins would be adding three larger offensive linemen to their formerly smallish zone-blocking group, making Gruden's power run game instantly more effective.
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Look how quickly the draft process builds up and then tears down even the top-tier prospects.
Alabama's Amari Cooper faces a serious task at the scouting combine. He's one of three Heisman finalists and the player who caused Nick Saban to overhaul his run-first ways, leading to 124 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns last year alone.
Great, but few prospects are as polarizing at this point.
Some love Cooper's proven track record, his 6'1", 210-pound frame, his smooth routes and sure hands. Others think he is too small, not explosive and not the top wideout on the board.
On one hand, the polarizing nature of Cooper's stock makes sense. The class is deep. West Virginia's Kevin White is as explosive as it gets while Louisville's DeVante Parker blends everything together well. A frame similar to Calvin Johnson may place Dorial Green-Beckham in the first-round conversation, too.
The combine will say much about Cooper. It is the one place where Cooper will stand among his peers in a controlled environment and either shine or shrink.
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Pierre Garcon was mediocre in Jay Gruden's offense last year and could easily be cut for a huge savings. Cooper would be better and younger.
2nd Round
Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan
The Redskins double dip on playmakers to give RG3 the resources to finally bounce back. Funchess could overtake injury-prone Jordan Reed at TE.
Landon Collins, S, Alabama
The Redskins need to go defensive backfield or offensive line. Though others have them going with a tackle or guard here, I don't believe there's an offensive lineman worthy of a top-five selection this year, and Collins is far and away the top safety in the draft. My top-rated defensive back - corner or safety - in this year's class, he 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 Year 1 starter who I'd like to think can be the stabilizing force in Washington's defensive backfield for years to come.