Mock Draft Monday: Taking a look at how the Redskins draft could play out

Using On the Clock here is the latest 7 round Redskins Mock Draft that I came up with. Follow along with the Mock here: http://fanspeak.com/ontheclock/draft.php?d=gqgfsw

5: R1P5
DE SHANE RAY
MISSOURI

-I think the Redskins are primed to take the top pass rusher available if they can't re-sign/replace Brian Orakpo in free agency. With Fowler off the board I think Ray becomes the guy who makes the most sense for the Redskins. He terrorized LT's and QB's this year in the SEC and should immediately be able to get after the QB at the next level. His ability in run support and to drop in coverage may be lacking initially, but he is still a very good option at the 5th pick.

38: R2P6
DE HENRY ANDERSON
STANFORD

-Some might rather go OL here, but building a quality defense is a must. Other teams like SF, Seattle, Baltimore etc. have succeeded with young QB's at the help but top notch defenses protecting leads and giving them favorable field position. Anderson fits well as a 1 gap 5 tech defensive lineman. He has some decent pass rusher ability and the size and frame to play well in run defense also.

69: R3P5
CB ALEX CARTER
STANFORD

-Like continuing the defensive trend here, and finally putting the resources on this side of the ball. Carter has nice size and could quickly overtake Amerson as a starter opposite Breeland.

102: R4P6
TE JEFF HEUERMAN
OHIO STATE

-Heuerman has the potential to be a very good two-way TE and represents a nice pick-up at this point in the draft. He could be a Travis Kelce type who develops into a weapon on offense. His 6'5" height would come in handy in red zone situations an area where the Redskins have struggled of late.

133: R5P5
OT DONOVAN SMITH
PENN STATE

-Smith is an intriguing offensive lineman option. He didn't play up to his abilities at Penn State, but he's got an excellent frame and the potential to be a much better pro than college player. Though he isn't the big name addition to the OL, he offers upside and intrigue.

166: R6P6
OLB JAKE RYAN
MICHIGAN

-Ryan would play inside in the Redskins scheme and could offer an alternative to Perry Riley and his salary once 2016 rolls around. Ryan at the very least offers leadership, depth and special teams ability. He's got decent speed and is very instinctual in finding the ball carrier or taking the proper angle.

197: R7P5
C MAX GARCIA
FLORIDA

-Another intriguing offensive line option, he wouldn't start as a rookie but Garcia has flashed some potential to do so down the line. He's a versatile player who fits well as the 8th or 9th man on an offensive line early in his career. If he reaches his upside he could be a starter in 2-3 years.

-Overall I focused on the defensive side of the ball early. I get it's not the most popular thing for Redskins fans, but it could be the best thing for the team long term. There is no doubt that the offensive line needs help as well, but the Redskins defense is extremely poor right now and needs a major overhaul. Right now the Redskins are looking at a best case scenario of one good defensive lineman (Jason Hatcher), one good edge rusher (Kerrigan) who isn't even in the primary pass rush position that they can really count on this year on defense. Last year Keenan Robinson and Bashaud Breeland showed a lot of promise and upside, but overall it remains to be seen if they can do it long term (I tend to believe they can). Beyond that they have very little they can count on for even average production.

With a draft like this you should get early impact from the top 3 picks, with Ray and Anderson really boosting the Redskins pass rush this year. Obviously this draft didn't address the safety position, but this is not a class you should force it. There are some decent safeties, but most have question marks surrounding them.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.