2015 NFL Mock Draft: Redskins Select Leonard Williams

Onto my third mock draft of the Spring, the first after the initial free agency flurry, and this time I have the Redskins selecting Leonard Williams. Yes, I know, it sounds too good to be true, but it really is not that far fetched at all. In my opinion the Redskins might only consider selecting Williams at this position. If he is not there then they could actively look to trade down and accrue more draft picks.

Lets see how Williams might fall into the Redskins hands. It all revolves around the two top QB's going before we pick, and then the Jaguars look to the edge of their defensive line. Everyone assumes the Raiders will pick one of the two top wide receivers, and hey presto...

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

The most pro ready out of the two top QB prospects in this years draft. Winston comes with some baggage, but will be able to step up and run a pro style offense quickly and efficiently. Something the Bucs have needed for years.

2. Tennessee Titans - Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Recently I am starting to buy into the Mariota hype. I do see what some have said in the past about him being similar to Russell Wilson. In the past I was doubtful the Titans would make this pick, but recent reports (yes, yes, I know) are saying that they will.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dante Fowler, Jr., DE, Florida

The Jaguars have picked offense a lot in the first round in recent years, and will need to support that important defense.  They are pretty good in the middle of the line, and will see an opportunity here to add a playmaker like Fowler on the edge.

4. Oakland Raiders - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

The Raiders almost saw some green shoots last year with Carr as their new QB. He just needs someone to throw to, and White is as reliable a WR in the draft as there is. Amari Cooper being more of a playmaker.

5. Washington Redskins - Leonard Williams, DE, USC

My previous mock had us picking up Shelton, but with recent free agency moves I doubt we go there any more. My feeling now is that the Redskins will likely identify one player in the top 10 or so that is worthy of this pick, Leonard Williams. If he falls to them, as in this scenario, they would be delighted. If not they would look to trade down with someone a few spots below them and get more bang for their buck.

Williams is by far the best ranked player in the draft in any position. He is powerful, fast and can play numerous positions on the line. He would be perfectly suited to complement the veteran players along the line we have already, and would provide immediate competition for Paea, Hatcher and Baker. More importantly next year we could let one of these older players walk and give Williams the keys to the defense for the long term. If you are talking drafting the best player available, well this is it folks, we just drafted him.

6. New York Jets - Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, Clemson

As mentioned before, the Jets are looking to get some pass rush and Beasley is the best player left on the board in this role.

7. Chicago Bears - Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

Shelton gives the Bears a true nose tackle to base their new 3-4 defense around. Hard for them to pass up an opportunity to get this piece in place in the first year under new coordinator Fangio.

8. Atlanta Falcons - Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri

The Falcons will be looking for players who can get to the QB. Ray offers them this with his explosion and skillset. Solid pick up at this position.

9. New York Giants - La'el Collins, OT, LSU

The Giants will be the first team with a pick on the offensive line, picking up Collins to beef up the protection for Manning. Something they have been trying to do for the last couple of years. Collins has impressed recently and should help them considerably here.

10. St. Louis Rams - Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Surprised myself that Cooper was still on the board here. I think the Rams would find it very hard not to pick him in this position if this scenario unfolded. Excellent addition to an offense that needs a playmaker.

11. Minnesota Vikings - T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
12. Cleveland Browns - Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
13. New Orleans Saints - Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
14. Miami Dolphins - Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford
15. San Francisco - Brandon Scherff, OL, Iowa
16. Houston Texans - Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
17. San Diego Chargers - Cameron Erving, OG, Florida State
18. Kansas City Chiefs - DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo) - Paul Dawson, LB, TCU
20. Philadelphia Eagles - Landon Collins, S, Alabama
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Shaq Thompson, S, Washington
22. Pittsburgh Steelers - Malcom Brown, DT, Texas
23. Detroit Lions - Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
24. Arizona Cardinals - Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
25. Carolina Panthers - Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
26. Baltimore Ravens - Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
27. Dallas Cowboys - Bud Dupree, DE, Kentucky
28. Denver Broncos - Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
29. Indianapolis Colts - Derron Smith, S, Fresno State
30. Green Bay Packers - Marcus Peters, CB, Washington
31. New Orleans Saints - Clive Walford, TE, Miami
32. New England Patriots - Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

So there you have it.  It is not inconceivable that this might happen.  However this doesn't take into account the possibility that another team may trade up with the Raiders, Titans or Jaguars to grab Williams, which is a legitimate option in this draft.