Todd McShay Two Round Mock Draft: Andrew Billings to the Redskins

Todd McShay released his latest mock draft yesterday, and has projected the first two rounds of this year's draft. In Mock Draft 4.0(E$PN IN$IDER), he gives the Redskins Baylor DT Andrew Billings in the first, and Ohio State WR Michael Thomas in the second round. McShay has previously given the Redskins Alabama DT Jarran Reed in Mock 2.0 and Mock 3.0. Way back on February 1st, he gave the Redskins Michael Thomas, but that time was in the first round.

Billings would be a fantastic pick for the Redskins this year, but there is a very good chance that he will not be available at #21.  The Redskins defensive line will look different this year with the departures of Jason Hatcher and Terrance Knighton, and could use an infusion of young talent.  McShay also mentions the possibility that Redskins GM Scot McCloughan would continue to upgrade the offensive line with Ryan Kelly from Alabama. Is the defensive line talent deep enough to go OL in the first, and DL later? Probably, but Billings might be a player McCloughan doesn't pass on.

Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

Billings has a shorter frame (6-foot-1), but his outstanding combination of quickness, athleticism and power helps him wreak havoc on the interior. This is a dominant and versatile run-defender who would give the Redskins more depth along the defensive front. Additionally, with a need at center, I wouldn't be surprised if Scot McCloughan considered Alabama's Ryan Kelly here.

The need for a wide receiver in the draft will always be debated, but the Redskins need to address the position sooner, rather than later. Starters DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon are both in the final year of their contracts. Jamison Crowder had a promising rookie season and looks to continue to be a productive player on offense, but after that there are big question marks. Andre Roberts is likely to be released once he is able to pass a physical. Ryan Grant is a favorite of Jay Gruden, but has not shown more than backup/depth qualities so far.  After that you're looking at players like Rashad Ross and LaRon Byrd. Barring a contract extension for Garçon and/or Jackson before the draft, the Redskins need to look towards 2017 and beyond at the WR position.

Thomas offers the Redskins the size at WR they have been missing for years(6'3", 212 lbs), but needs work at the next level.  If Garcon, Jackson and Crowder hold down the top 3 spots this year, Thomas will have time to develop, and possibly contribute.

Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

Thomas still needs to develop as a route runner, but he has natural ball skills and the ability to develop into a longtime starter on the outside.

Who did the Redskins "pass" on to take Michael Thomas? Here are the final 10 picks in the second round:

Keanu Neal, S, Florida

Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State

Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina

Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA

Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia

Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama

Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas

Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois