Mel Kiper's Third Mock Gives the Redskins an Alabama Linebacker

Mel Kiper has released his third mock draft this year, and has projected the Redskins will go defense with their first round pick at #21. Kiper continues his trend of the Redskins taking a defensive player. In Kiper's E$PN IN$IDER Mock Draft 1.0, he gave the Redskins, Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson.

Alexander has legit man-to-man coverage ability, but he needs technical work and is going to show some rough edges during his rookie year. But all cornerbacks do, and Alexander has a ton of upside. He's just a hair over 5-foot-10, so he's not a jump-ball winner, but he's powerful and will make plays in coverage and attacking the line of scrimmage.

In Mock Draft 2.0, Alabama DL A'Shawn Robinson was the selection.

The Redskins became a more physical team in the 2015 draft, and the addition of Robinson would continue that trend for a general manager who knows great teams are built in the trenches. Washington has an improved pass rush but they need to get younger on the defensive interior, and Robinson comes in ready to contribute.

Kiper's latest mock draft, released today, has the Redskins taking Alabama ILB Reggie Ragland at #21.

Last year's draft was all about getting tougher and more physical on both sides of the ball. Ragland continues that trend, fills a need, and is ready to play. Solid value here.

Free-agency effect: I think the defensive line will be a bigger priority than linebacker in free agency.

The Redskins are expected to let Keenan Robinson go in free agency, and Perry Riley is a potential cap casualty this year. The Redskins already tendered ERFA Will Compton, and are interested in bringing back his partner in crime Mason Foster. The Redskins also drafted Martrell Spaight last year, but his season was cut short when he went on IR due to concussions. Is Reggie Ragland the answer at ILB this year. Mark Tyler shared his opinion last month, but is he a Scot McCloughan "football player"?