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Three weeks and two more days until all(most) of the draft talk is over. Outside linebackers still dominate the 1st round projections for the Redskins pick at #5. Randy Gregory has dropped completely off the map this week following the news that he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine. Vic Beasley and Dante Fowler, Jr. are still the top two picks for the Skins, with Beasley maintaining a slight edge. And Shane Ray has picked up a few votes with Gregory dropping. Bud Dupree also made the list in one of the trade down scenarios at #12. No Mariota, but we do get Amari Cooper back on the list this week.
In the 2nd round, the them is still focused on upgrading the Redskins defense with 6 out of the 7 options. The lone offensive pick is FSU OL Cameron Erving. The secondary has the most options with 4 players, and several of them are cornerbacks that are expected to be converted to safety at the next level. Defensive Tackle Jordan Phillips is taken as the long-term solution for the defensive line with Terrance Knighton on a 1 year deal. And one mock drafter either made a mistake or really doesn't like Trent Murphy because he has the Redskins taking Vic Beasley in the 1st, and then Danielle Hunter in the 2nd round.
Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
With Brian Orakpo in Tennessee, the Redskins have an opportunity to replace him in the first round. Fowler still has room to grow, but his relentless energy will keep NFL blockers on their heels.
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, Jr., OLB, Florida
Former first-round pick Brian Orakpo signed with Tennessee in the off-season, leaving Ryan Kerrigan, who had 13.5 sacks last season, as the only player capable of getting consistent pressure on the opposing QB. Fowler is still honing his craft, but displayed excellent speed (4.61 40-yard dash) and athleticism at the combine.
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida
Stop us if you heard this before, but in a perfect world, the Redskins fortify the offensive line. The Tom Compton-Chris Chester right side isn't close to ideal. Alas, this draft is imperfect with regards to such options this high. The idea of drafting Washington NT Danny Shelton made more sense before the Redskins spent quality dollars on that line. There's a long-term argument for Shelton since Terrance Knighton signed a one-year deal. At this point, there is a stronger case for going with a perimeter pass rusher based on the board and Brian Orakpo's departure. Fowler recorded 8.5 sack 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.
2nd Round Pick: Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
Plenty of different need options available for the Redskins in this spot, including offensive line (Duke G Laken Tomlinson?), inside linebacker (Miami's Denzel Perryman?) and the secondary at both corner and safety even with the recent additions. The 6-foot-1 Jones played both defensive back spots with UConn, leading to NFL projections at both corner and safety. Turned in a world-class performance at the NFL Combine with a record-setting broad jump.
Round 1: Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
Round 2: Cameron Erving, C, FSU
Dante Fowler Jr., OLB, Florida
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Washington is fine with whatever because they can still nab a guy who gives them a pass-rushing threat to pair opposite Ryan Kerrigan. Beasley isn't a perfect three-down fit but when he gets after the quarterback he gets after the quarterback.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Suddenly, Washington is becoming a hard team to figure out which direction it will go in the draft. That's a credit to general manager Scot McCloughan. The team scheduled a pre-draft visit with Marcus Mariota and there's a rumor out there Washington likes Amari Cooper. Still, it needs another pass rusher and Beasley is a player who could be brought in to be Washington's version of Aldon Smith for McCloughan.
Options: Brandon Scherff (OT), Amari Cooper (WR)
Vic Beasley, OLB Clemson
The Player: If you are just looking for a player to dominate the game coming off the edge, no player can do with Clemson linebacker Vic Beasley can do. His balance is elite, and when he turns the corner can stick his foot in the dirt without losing any of his top-notch speed.
The Fit: In the 3-4 defense the Washington Redskins employ, Beasley would be a natural fit as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. Beasley, along with Ryan Kerrigan would be a rather formidable duo, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
The Redskins lost Brian Orakpo and need to replace him with another pass rusher. Beasley set Clemson's all-time sack record with 33 — 25 of which came during the last two years. He's a freakish athlete with absolutely zero character concerns.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Brian Orakpo is gone. The Washington Redskins pass rush is in a bad state and needing some new blood. Vic Beasley brings that outside linebacker burst, speed and athleticism coupled with surprising strength that allows him to set the edge against the run. Arguably the most complete edge rusher in the draft.
2nd Round: Danielle Hunter, OLB, LSU
Production didn't show up at LSU but Hunter is an athletic freak who can become a dynamic edge rusher Washington covets.
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
I had the Redskins picking Danny Shelton in a previous update, but with Terrance Knighton signed on, Washington can select the top player available who makes sense for them. That would be the rising Vic Beasley, who was terrific at the NFL Combine.
Beasley doesn't really fill a glaring need, as the Redskins have Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy as edge rushers. However, Brian Orakpo left for Tennessee, so depth is needed. Beasley would join the two to form a very strong rotation of pass-rushers to harass Tony Romo and the other opposing quarterbacks in the NFC East.
2nd Round: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
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
2nd Round: Eric Rowe, FS, Utah
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
Ray has a motor that runs hot. The plan to start him opposite Ryan Kerrigan adds another playmaker to a vastly improving defense.
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
Here's another team that could go in two different directions, addressing the offensive or defensive front. The Redskins need to protect RG3 better and would have their pick of tackles. I had Stanford's Andrus Peat penciled in at this spot a few times. But now I have Washington addressing their pass rush by nabbing Missouri's Shane Ray here, especially after losing Brian Orakpo in free agency. Defensive tackles Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea inked with Washington. The Redskins also signed cornerback Chris Culliver and traded for safety Dashon Goldson. This unit has to get better.
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Redskins have needs all over the field, so they're in a good position to take the best player available that fits a need. They desperately need to add a pass-rusher, and Ray is the top one available here. I had previously mocked Randy Gregory here, but with the recent news of his failed drug test at the Combine, I don't think a team can justify using a top-5 pick on him any more. Ray would be an immediate impact player. He's explosive off the edge, and may have the best first step of any player in the draft. He times the snap well and can get around the edge before the offense knows what hit them.
TRADE: St. Louis gets #5(Kevin White)
Washington gets #10, #72
Shane Ray, DE/OLB, Missouri
Good first move for McCloughan, if he can gather another pick while nabbing a pass-rusher in the process to replace Brian Orakpo.
Shane Ray, OLB/DE, Missouri
If Williams/Fowler off the board, the Redskins will try to trade down or take the best non-QB on the board. Kerrigan, Murphy, Jeffcoat are all good pass rushers, do you need another? Could have been NT Danny Shelton, but they signed Terrance Knighton in FA. New GM who once had a well-chronicled drinking problem is going to take Gregory? Can't see it.
Alvin "Bud" Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
TRADE: Cleveland gets #5(Marcus Mariota)
Washington gets #12, #19
#12: In the reverse RG3 trade the Redskins are in the ideal position to trade back from the fifth spot as they can still move down to 12 and get the dynamic pass rusher they seek. There have been a lot of reports suggesting the 'Skins could be interested in taking Mariota themselves, but that is simply posturing for a potential trade such as this with a team like Cleveland looking to move in front of the QB-needy Jets at six. In Alvin "Bud" Dupree Washington would be getting an athlete who compares rather favorably to Vic Beasley who they would otherwise consider at five, but Dupree is just a little bit less polished. Dupree is close to being an elite prospect in this draft, so if Cleveland is willing to make the move it's a no brainer for Washington.
#19: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State
Quietly, the Redskins have had as good an offseason as any team in the league this year. They've shored up their leaky secondary and were able to add some big, athletic bodies to help on the defensive line. If they're able to swing this deal with Cleveland and then select the pass rusher they desire at 12, it really opens things up for them to go in any direction with the 19th pick. An area they could look to upgrade is at inside linebacker where they have two respectable players in Perry Riley and Keenan Robinson, but neither is a difference maker. Mississippi State's Benardrick McKinney at 6'5" with sideline-to-sideline speed is a prospect who is rated higher in NFL circles than in the media, and has the ability to be a "thumper" and quarterback in the middle of the defense.
2nd Round: Alex Carter, CB/S, Stanford
Signing Chris Culliver was huge, but Washington's rebuild in the secondary shouldn't stop there. Stanford's Alex Carter is one of the more underrated players in this draft with the athleticism of a corner and the instincts of a safety. He could fill either role for the 'Skins.
Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC
The Redskins lost Brian Orakpo in free agency and could use another pass-rusher to team with Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy. Joe Barry could get a versatile weapon for his defense with Williams, who played the three-technique for Barry's mentor Monte Kiffin as a freshman and would also be a perfect fit as a five technique in a 3-4.
Williams recorded 80 tackles, seven sacks, 8.5 tackles for a loss, one interception, three forced fumbles and three passes batted in 2014. The 6-foot-5, 302-pounder has some natural strength and speed, plus the ability to play all over on the defensive line as a 3-4 defensive end, 4-3 end or tackle. Williams could stand to get stronger for the NFL and gets in trouble when he plays too high, but a shoulder injury that required surgery could have impacted his power in 2014. Still, Williams is very disruptive and capable of taking over games.
Williams played well for USC in 2013. He recorded 74 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and five sacks. The sophomore generated more pass rush than the numbers indicate. Williams was the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2012 after a fabulous debut for the Trojans. He totaled 64 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, four passes batted and an interception that season.
2nd Round: Byron Jones, CB/S, Connecticut
Obviously, the Redskins need safety help. Adding a fast defensive back who can cover a lot of ground would help them to improve their defense in the deep portion of the field.
Jones (6-1, 199) recorded 24 tackles, four passes broken up and two interceptions in 2014 before a shoulder injury ended his season after seven games. He made himself a star of the Combine with huge broad and vertical jumps. He followed that up blazing a fast 40 time at his pro day.
Jones played well in 2013 - his first season at cornerback - with 60 tackles and three interceptions. In 2012, Jones was a starter at safety and had 88 tackles with an interception. He broke into the starting lineup during the 2011 season and had 51 tackles.
Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC
Williams falling to #5 is the best possible scenario the Redskins could hope for. Partnered with recent acquisition Terrance Knighton and the Redskins suddenly have two 300 pounders on the defensive line. It's not the flashy pick we are used to from the Redskins, but I think even Snyder can make the right decision in this scenario.
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.
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama
In a recent podcast, Mel Kiper called Cooper the safest pick in the draft, and there is little reason to disagree with him. There is no doubting Cooper's athletic gifts (6'1, 210, 4.41 40-yard dash), and combined with his gaudy stats (124 rec, 1727 yards, 16 TDs) one might picture a Randy Moss-esque difference maker. But Cooper isn't that kind of player. While he lacks the "wow factor" of a Sammy Watkins, he brings the more dependable play-to-play consistency and athleticism of a Marvin Harrison. Last year, Washington's revolving door of rag arms had trouble developing a dependable rapport with Garcon and D Jackson, players who need elevated QB play to excel. Cooper would be an ideal addition, as his route-running and focus make him the kind of player who will balance the offense and create success regardless of who delivers his passes.
2nd Round: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
On the face, this pick doesn't seem to make a ton of sense. Having signed Stephen Paea and more recently Terrance Knighton, it would seem Washington has secured the integrity of the NT position for the coming year. But a deeper look, and grabbing a player who has been widely compared to Knighton starts to seem more and more reasonable. Phillips is a man-child, a beast of a player who at 6'5, 330 shows the explosion and athleticism of a smaller player. Still a bit of a project, Phillips is already strong enough to occupy multiple defenders at the next level, allowing Kerrigan and Miller open lanes to the backfield. A valuable rotational player in 2015, he would gain the experience to move into a starting role in 2016 once Knighton's one-year deal expires. Phillips has First Round talent and is a lottery ticket worth scratching.
Player Selections:
|
Player |
# of Selections |
|
Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson |
7 |
|
Dante Fowler, Jr., OLB, Florida |
6 |
|
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri |
5 |
|
Leonard Williams, DE, USC |
2 |
|
Alvin "Bud" Dupree, OLB, Kentucky |
1 |
|
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa |
1 |
|
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama |
1 |