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It's finally Draft Day, and tonight the Redskins will have 1(or more) new players to help rebuild the team. Scot McCloughan has been talking about what he looks for in players in his presser and on Redskins Nation. He's also mentioned several times that the team would like to end up with more than their original 7 picks through trades. Will the Redskins stay at #5, or pick the best player available? No one knows yet, but one thing most people will agree on is that they will not be trading up for anyone this year, at least not in the 1st round.
Now on to the final mocks for the 2015 NFL Draft. NFL Network's Mike Mayock had a special last night to reveal his first and only mock draft of the season. Mayock made some Redskins fan's dreams come true by having USC DE Leonard Williams available at the 5th pick. Williams is the top player on Mayock's board, but somehow slips to the Redskins and Scot McCloughan couldn't be happier. If this happens, the phones in the Redskins war room will surely be ringing, but as McCloughan said, you can't get too cute when it comes to superstars at the top of the draft. If the Redskins aren't obviously winning the trade, they will stay and take the potential superstar.
Who is the most popular pick for the final round of mock drafts? Dante Fowler has been close with Vic Beasley for weeks, but he has taken the clear lead and is the consensus favorite to be the Redskins pick at #5. Fowler said yesterday that he expects the Redskins to draft him, and there is a very real chance that it happens. The next most popular after Fowler and Beasley? Brandon Scherff. We're almost there people, get ready to be surprised tonight.
The Washington @Redskins select Leonard Williams with the 5th overall pick. #MayockMock pic.twitter.com/RbaiPVrCpt
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 30, 2015
Leonard Williams, DE, USC
This is the top player on my board, and this club is ecstatic he's available at No. 5.
Leonard Williams, DE, USC
The telephone rings, and it's Jerry Reese. "Sorry, Jerry," new GM Scot McCloughan says, "we don't want to play this monster twice a year — and besides, if you like him enough to trade up from 9, I need to take him for myself." Best player in the draft who has drawn comparisons to Richard Seymour.
Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Scot McCloughan bypasses the need of an outside linebacker for the best defensive player in the draft.
Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Leonard Williams, DE, USC
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
GM Scot McCloughan begins a new era by adding a major building block for the front seven of the defense.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
With the Redskins targeting defensive linemen in free agency it seems that won't be what they target at this pick unless they trade down. Dante Fowler Jr. at 6'3, 261 has great size and he ran a 4.6 forty at the NFL Combine. So he has good combination of speed and size and has the ability to make an immediate impact for the Redskins on defense.
Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida
With the draft's most pro-ready pass rusher still available, Washington is able to quickly replace free agent departure Brian Orakpo - who the club attempted to keep.
2nd: Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke
Adding toughness and physicality along the offensive line will be a priority in Washington.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
The Redskins need pass rushers badly. Fowler is arguably the safest, most NFL-ready edge defender in the draft. He would start immediately across from Ryan Kerrigan, allowing athletically-deficient 2014 second-round pick Trent Murphy to focus on setting the edge versus the run.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
The Skins need more bite on the edge and they need to be a more fearsome defense to play against. They could go offensive line here (Brandon Scherff could well be the pick if they do), and they too are very open to trading down, but I've heard they have Fowler ranked ahead of Vic Beasley and the chance to get who they deem to be the best edge rusher in the draft, to me, will carry the day there. If Fowler is gone, then I would expect the Skins to take Scherff here.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Might be an easy decision for the Redskins, as they would get their hands on one of the most talented players in the draft.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Edge rusher is a definite need in the nation's capital, and Fowler leads most rankings at the position. He will be a nice replacement for Brian Orakpo.
Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida
A few weeks ago, I don't think the Redskins felt they had a shot at Fowler. With the QB's going one and two, that changes. This could be a great pick for Washington and give them a strong pass rusher.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
I actually think this is a pick that could be made by the Falcons if Dan Quinn wants to move up for his former player at Florida. He makes sense for Washington, or it could slide down a few spots and get a player it probably likes just as much.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Biggest concern these days with Fowler is wondering whether he'll fall outside the top three. Recorded 8.5 sacks last season even though the Gators used him all over the field, including inside. That the 6-foot-3 physical threat was moved around rather than just tasked with getting after the QB might actually hurt his initial development, but the raw athlete oozes upside. Best bet for the Redskins remains a trade down, which would bring Washington more picks and bring positions including offensive line (Iowa's Brandon Scherrf) and secondary (Alabama's Landon Collins) into the discussion.
Corner is no longer a screaming need after signing Chris Culliver. That doesn't mean the Redskins would or should pass on the position especially of a top talent slips. Collins has first-round talent, but could slide because: 1) recent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his right foot and 2) news that he failed multiple drug tests at LSU. Red flags, sure, but also plenty of talent and speed. Risk-reward? Different options available for the Redskins in this spot include interior offensive line (Duke G Laken Tomlinson), wide receiver (Ohio State's Devin Smith), secondary (Utah's Eric Rowe) and inside linebacker (Miami's Denzel Perryman).
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Fowler is the type of powerful, relentless player with whom first-year GM Scot McCloughan hopes to rebuild in old D.C.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
This could be Vic Beasley or a trade back, but Fowler is the best option right here.
Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
Pick of the litter at pass rusher for Scot McCloughan which isn't so bad a way for this to shake out. The Redskins could go wideout here but with a versatile pass-rushing centerpiece like Fowler available they pounce quickly.
1st: Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Why they take him: If they want to take the best player available and improve the team at an absolutely critical position, they hit a home run with Fowler still here.
Why they pass: Because they need to add picks, and trading down is a possibility here.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Analysis: I think that if the Redskins are presented with a good trade offer to move back, that's what they'll do. The Falcons are a potential trade partner, depending on how the first four picks go. But if they stay here, Fowler fills a major need at 3-4 outside linebacker, and he has the size Washington GM Scot McCloughan typically looks for at the position.
Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
The Redskins clearly want to trade down and should have the opportunity to do so. If they stay put, getting Fowler and making him a pass-rushing complement to Ryan Kerrigan makes sense.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
There isn't a better athlete in the country when looking at defenders that rush the edge. Beasley has the elite get off and pursuit speed to fit in with the new attacking, upfield scheme in Washington. If the Redskins plan to fix their ailing pass defense, it will need to start up front with the pass rush.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
He has an explosive step off the edge, which the Redskins badly need. He isn't great against the run, but as he gets bigger he will get better in that area.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
With Brian Orakpo gone, the Washington Redskins need an edge-rusher. Vic Beasley has the most college production of all the edge-rusher prospects in the draft. And with all the speed, power and agility he has, the Redskins take him at No. 5.
The Washington Redskins' secondary was pretty bad last year. They have to see guys like Dez Bryant again this year and we don't know if or how corner DeAngelo Hall will be back in 2015. So they take Jalen Collins right here at No. 38 to get the pass defense going.
1st: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
2nd: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana
1st: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
2nd: Carl Davis, DL, Iowa
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
This is the dream scenario for Washington. New general manager Scot McCloughan can either take the best edge rusher in the draft as Brian Orakpo's replacement, field calls from teams interested in Marcus Mariota or take the Oregon quarterback for himself. It seems the team intends to give Robert Griffin III one last season to prove himself as a long-term answer under center. As such, if Washington doesn't trade out and Beasley remains on the board, he'll be the pick.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Washington needs offensive line help and could take Brandon Scherff or trade down, but at No. 5 the most likely choice seems to be an edge rusher. That could be Fowler, or it could be Shane Ray or Randy Gregory. Beasley is a proven producer off the edge, with explosiveness as a pass rusher.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
This mock isn't projecting trades, but I think Washington moves back a bit in the first round to get the extra picks GM Scot McCloughan covets. Not a bad move, especially if Beasley lands in their lap.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
A freakish athlete at a premium position would seem to make sense for new GM Scot McCloughan, who rebuilt his D-line in free agency but lost OLB Brian Orakpo and only has fellow edge rusher Ryan Kerrigan under contract for one more season.
Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
I don't like taking risks, and that is exactly what Gregory is, given his positive drug test at the combine. But his talent is intoxicating and would give the Redskins a stud pass rusher opposite Ryan Kerrigan.
Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE/LB, Kentucky
Redskins would love to trade back here, but other teams are afraid of new GM Scot McCloughan, one of the sharpest front office guys in the NFL. I like Dupree, but he was a complete non-factor against Florida, LSU and Georgia. But with several potential big-name free agents next year, could they lose Ryan Kerrigan?
Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
I love Dante Fowler's passion for the game on the field, but he's not in the same planet of athletic talent as Dupree. My colleague Stoner puts it best. "Even if Dupree doesn't work out as your weakside edge rusher, he could probably still do a decent Jamie Collins impersonation as a fill-in-the-blanks guy. Fowler is not going to be your best pass rusher and I don't know where else he fits." There is a chance Fowler becomes a football player without game-changing athleticism or a true a position. Dupree is a good shot at greatness for a team that needs a pass rusher.
Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
Let's see, we have a tall cornerback who ran a 4.31 40-yard dash at the combine and has lots of (good) tape as an isolated man-to-man cornerback, a team that notched just seven interceptions last season and still hopes to wring some starts out of DeAngelo Hall, and a new general manager who made a name for himself by finding extra-long cornerbacks. So why do most mock drafters have the Redskins taking an edge-rusher like Fowler or Vic Beasley?
Waynes may not have the physicality of Richard Sherman—he's more like Asante Samuel in the Faberge egg museum—but he has rare tools, good technique and fills a need. He's a simple solution for the Redskins, who are supposed to be all about simple solutions these days.
Brandon Scherff, OG, Iowa
Washington very well could use this pick to replace Brian Orakpo, but they still have Ryan Kerrigan, and have sunk a lot of money in their defense this offseason. Instead, I'm shoring up a sieve of an offensive line.
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Mimicking the recent approach of a division rival. I bet many teams will think Scherff is this year's Zack Martin. Some might think this is early for a guard. Maybe, but acquiring prospects with traits that translate is paramount.
Brandon Scherff, OG, Iowa
The Redskins want to trade out of this spot, but if stuck at No. 5, a "safe" player like Scherff could be the direction for new general manager Scot McCloughan.
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
The Redskins need a right tackle and two guards. They land this year's Zack Martin. Scherff's tenacity and versatility makes him the ideal choice.
*Trade with Falcons: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
With every top edge rusher on the board, Washington could go with a Dante Fowler, Bud Dupree or Vic Beasley. However, I think they'll go offense. From everything I've heard, the Redskins are very high on Amari Cooper. Ideally they'd trade back here and take maybe a Brandon Scherff or La'el Collins. But if they stay put, they'll take the top player on the board.
1st: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Pierre Garcon didn't take to Jay Gruden's scheme, so Washington may want a new starting receiver.
2nd: Damarious Randall, S, Arizona 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.
1st: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
I believe the Redskins would love to trade down, but if they're stuck at No. 5, they are going to take the best player available. That would be Cooper. Receiver isn't a real need, but DeSean Jackson turns 29 next season. Pierre Garcon also turns 29, and his play slipped last year. Cooper is the best player available and the long-term No. 1 receiver for Washington.
2nd: Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
After losing Brian Orakpo, the Redskins need edge help on defense. Odighizuwa would provide Joe Barry with both a 4-3 defensive end and a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Odighizuwa (6-3, 266) has a nice skill set of size, speed and athleticism. He recorded 61 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks and five passes batted in 2014, but was phenomenal in many games and more disruptive than the numbers indicate. Odighizuwa played really well against Washington. He missed the 2013 season with an injury and was a backup in 2012. Odighizuwa had 44 tackles and a sack that year.
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
Player Selections:
|
Player |
# of Selections |
|
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida |
21 |
|
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson |
9 |
|
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa |
5 |
|
Leonard Williams, DE, USC |
5 |
|
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama |
4 |
|
Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska |
2 |
|
Alvin "Bud" Dupree, OLB, Kentucky |
2 |
|
Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan St |
1 |