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Defense continues to own the mock draft projections for the Washington Redskins at #5 overall this year. Pass Rusher accounts for almost 70% of projected picks from the 23 mock drafts that are featured this week. We have a new favorite pick this week with Clemson OLB Vic Beasley getting 26% of the "votes".
Offensive line is once again represented by one person, Iowa OT/OG Brandon Scherff, and his name is only mentioned twice. There are no QB this week, but the potential to trade down with Marcus Mariota is mentioned several times, and seems to be one of the most realistic scenarios if he is available when the Redskins pick. We also have the first appearance of a cornerback on this year's list, with Michigan State's Trae Waynes getting his name called once. And our friends at Big Blue View have come up with a mock draft draft that gives the Redskins Leonard Williams at #5, so thanks for that.
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Despite worries about his weight and subsequent strength, it's hard to see Gregory falling too far in the draft. His skill as a speed rusher and potential upside could be too much for a team like Washington to overlook.
2nd Round
Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (OH)
Washington has a good young corner in Bashaud Breeland, but needs someone opposite him going forward. Rollins and his physical playing style could give Washington a nice pair for the future.
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
New GM Scot McCloughan loves long, rangy athletes with speed and quickness. Gregory is a freakishly talented playmaker capable of rushing the passer or dropping into coverage as a 3-4 hybrid.
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Another pass rusher comes off the board. Gregory will add weight and keep his speed.
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Gregory measured smaller than he probably would have liked to at the combine, and draftniks were concerned for about, oh, five minutes or so about that. Eventually Gregory would start running and doing the athletic things he does and reminding everyone why he's rated as highly as he is. Is he as athletic as Jadeveon Clowney? No. Clowney measured similarly in some events, but was also about 40 lbs. heavier. Comparisons like that really take away from the natural talent that Gregory has all on his own, and if he's able to maintain better weight on his frame as a pro he will help the Redskins improve that sieve of a defense.
Randy Gregory, DE/OLB, Nebraska
Although undersized, Gregory is an intriguing prospect who has great length and athleticism. He gives the Redskins an edge presence and has the skill set to be a difference maker.
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
Washington needs to replace Brian Orakpo and Ray is a dynamic pass rusher.
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
Ray believes he'll be an outside linebacker at the next level, and the Redskins probably believe that. Whatever his position, he gets after the quarterback.
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
If anyone wants to move up for Mariota, this is where it happens. The Redskins need to stockpile picks and don't have anyone they obviously need to target here. Ray is the top available player on my board so I'll plug him in, but if Brian Orakpo re-signs they may go in another direction.
Dante Fowler Jr., OLB/DE, 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, 261-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. At the Combine, he showed excellent speed and athleticism while also interviewing well with teams.
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.
Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville
Obviously, the Redskins need safety help. Adding a ballhawk would fit considering the defensive backs they've drafted in recent years.
Holliman enjoyed a massive 2014 season for the Cardinals. Replacing Calvin Pryor, Holliman was one of the breakout stars in college football. The redshirt sophomore led the nation with 14 interceptions. He also had 40 tackles with three passes broken up.
Holliman turned in an excellent game against Florida State with two interceptions. He also had two picks against Virginia and Florida International. He returned the one against Florida International for a touchdown. Holliman had three interceptions against Boston College. He has to improve his tackling and run defense for the NFL.
Holliman (6-0, 218) has both size and instincts. He was a backup in 2013 and missed all but three games in 2012 with a shoulder injury.
Dante Fowler, DE/OLB, Florida
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, Dante Fowler, in the wake of his strong showing at the NFL Combine, is the best player on the board, so I don't think Washington will be able to pass on him, given how this mock draft has played out with Ronnie Stanley headed back to school. Besides, the Redskins can rotate three talented pass-rushers, and Fowler will give them depth at a key position.
Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
The Redskins obviously need to make multiple upgrades to their woeful secondary. Help is needed at both corner and safety, so Washington can take the best player available at either position.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
He played defensive end in college, but will move to a 3-4 outside rusher on the next level. He's coming off an impressive combine.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
With Brian Orakpo set to hit free agency, pass rusher will be high on the Redskins' wish list. Beasley absolutely crushed the Combine, showing up at a good weight (248 pounds) and showing off the strength/athleticism combo that teams covet at the position.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
The story arch for Beasley has been fun to observe. From 220 lbs to 235 lbs and arriving in Indy at 246 lbs, Beasley kept all of his straight line speed, change of direction flexibility and explosion. He can make his strength stronger and use that lateral speed to create counter opportunities.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
I don't expect Brian Orakpo to be back with the Washington Redskins in 2015. So they need an explosive outside linebacker prospect to replace him coming off the edge. And they just happen to get the best prospect available to replace Orakpo.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Beasley stood out in a crowded field of edge rushers at the combine, enough even to be the first one selected.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
If the Redskins don't retain pass rusher Brian Orakpo, then Beasley could be the perfect player to replace him - and he'll likely be much less injury prone, too.
Leonard Williams, DL, USC
Either one of the remaining edge rushers would fit well if Brian Orakpo leaves via free agency. However, I can't let Leonard Williams fall any further. Williams isn't nearly as explosive an athlete as J.J. Watt, but he could be a difference maker at 5-technique
Danny Shelton, NT, Washington
I think Danny Shelton will be the Redskins pick. He vaulted himself up draft boards with an impressive performance during the Senior Bowl and topped it off by performing well at the NFL combine. The Redskins have never had a true nose tackle for their 3-4 defense and Shelton could give them that. At 6'2, 339 he has great size, but Shelton also possesses freakish quickness and agility for a man that big.
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.
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
This is another team I can see moving down from this spot. If the Redskins stay put, they'll be a lot like Jacksonville in needing to protect their young QB in order to fairly evaluate him. Scherff won't be a flashy pick but he is tough, strong and nasty. They can play him at either guard spot or opposite Trent Williams at right tackle. The Redskins gave up 58 sacks last season, second worst in the league last season.
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
National Football Post(Gabriel)
Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
This could be a trade down spot, but if the Redskins stay why not the best corner in the draft? In today's game you can't have enough corners.
Player Selections:
|
Player |
# of Selections |
|
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson |
6 |
|
Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska |
5 |
|
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri |
3 |
|
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB Florida |
2 |
|
Danny Shelton, NT, Washington |
2 |
|
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa |
2 |
|
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama |
1 |
|
Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan St |
1 |
|
Leonard Williams, DL, USC |
1 |