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The one and only collection of 2017 mock drafts you will see for a while. Todd McShay released his way too early mock, and used Football Outsiders season projections for the draft order. FO is not too high on the 2016 Redskins who are coming off a 9-7, NFC East Division Champion season. Football Outsiders isn't buying their ability to carry that success into the 2nd year of Kirk Cousins as the starter, and Scot McCloughan as the GM. They have the Redskins picking the highest of the few mocks that I have below at 7th overall. The team picking in this year's draft had a record of 5-11 and hired Chip Kelly ...not good.
Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
Allen played limited snaps last season along Alabama's stacked defensive front, but when he was in the game, opponents sure noticed -- 14.5 tackles for loss (including 12.0 sacks) and two forced fumbles. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with more playing time in 2016.
Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
The culture in Washington is changing with Scot McClougan valuing toughness and physicality over raw athleticism. At 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, McDowell has the length and power to play all over the defensive line.
Jabrill Peppers, SS, Michigan
A player with versatile experience at cornerback, safety, linebacker and on offense, Peppers has immense upside due to his natural gifts.
Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
Allen returned to school for another year after picking up 13 sacks, six QB hits, and 17 hurries on only 258 rushes and he's posted an absurd +57.3 overall grade on 903 snaps the last two years. Expect him to see more time on early downs next season which should increase his draft stock.
Dalvin Cook, RB, FSU
The depth chart in Washington right now reads: Matt Jones, Chris Thompson and Mack Brown. While Jones has big potential, he also struggled with fumbles in his rookie campaign and may not be more than a thumper at the position. Adding a dynamic three-down back in a loaded 2017 class would be a classic Scot McCloughan move.
Dalvin Cook has electric speed in space, phenomenal vision and the three-down tools as a receiver and blocker to wow NFL scouts and coaches. In Washington he would be a great fit in tandem with Jones—who brings more power to the table than speed.
Cook's star is shooting way up, and NFL teams will be quick to grab this college version of Jamaal Charles.
Ethan Pocic, C/G, LSU
It wouldn't have been surprising had the Redskins spent their 2016 first-round pick on Ryan Kelly as a way to shore up their offensive line. However, Kelly was snatched off the board three picks earlier, so here's Washington's chance to obtain a stud center.
Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA
Kenny Clark is the UCLA DT everyone got to know this spring, but Vanderdoes would have been right with him if he had't torn his ACL last September.
Ethan Pocic, C, LSU
Keep an eye on Pocic as one of the top interior linemen in the country.
Jamal Adams, S, LSU
On a rapidly-improving defense, safety could be the lone weakness. Yes, I really do have the Redskins getting to the 2nd round of the playoffs. I'm bullish on Kirk Cousins, love the Josh Norman pickup, and thought the Redskins made smart moves in FA/draft. Adams going to the NFC East would be fun - his father, George Adams, was a 1st round pick of the Giants in 1985.