2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper and Todd McShay mock 3 rounds for Redskins

Mel Kiper, Jr. is back with his annual E$PN IN$IDER Grade A mock draft, and gave the Redskins 3 picks that could make a lot of fans pretty happy at the end of the month. Malik Hooker gives the Redskins a top safety, Dalvin Cook gives them a top RB, and Montravius Adams, gives them much needed youth and talent on the defensive line.

Hooker could fall to the Redskins due to injury concerns, but has been projected to go early in the first. Cook has also been projected as a first rounder, but his draft stock has fallen off as the draft gets closer. Adams could go earlier, but like Kiper mentions, he’s got to be more consistent at the next level. The Redskins would get a huge talent boost if the draft fell this way, it would be on them to use and develop it.

Round 1 (17): Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

Round 2 (49): Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

Round 3 (81): Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn

Washington signed former Cardinals safety D.J. Swearinger to a low-risk deal this offseason, but it's far from settled at free safety in the long term. Hooker is the best center-field-type safety in this class. He had seven interceptions last season, including three pick-sixes, and made plays all over the field. He could drop a little because he started only one season and has some injury questions, but he has tremendous potential. Cook is another prospect who has dropped a little. He didn't have a great combine, and his shoulders are a concern. There's a chance he drops here because of how deep this running back class is. Robert Kelley and Matt Jones are decent, but neither is a home run threat like Cook, who had 38 rushing touchdowns the past two seasons. Adams, who would probably play nose guard, could be a second-round pick if a team rolls the dice on his talent. He must be more consistent.

Todd McShay released his GM mock draft on E$PN IN$IDER last week, and also mocked the first three rounds for every team. He also gave the Redskins two defensive players and a RB. The Redskins get some help at ILB with Temple’s Haason Reddick, a talented RB in Joe Mixon, and a possible reach for a CB with Damontae Kazee.

Reddick will be moving inside in the Redskins defense, and will compete with newly signed Zach Brown, Mason Foster, Martrell Spaight, Steven Daniels, Will Compton(unsigned restricted free agent), and others for playing time. Most people know Mixon’s story by now, and have decided whether his talent is worth drafting a player who punched a woman in the face. The Redskins could use his talent, but are they the team to take him? Kazee is projected as a 5th round talent by CBS Sports, and would be a surprise pick this early in the draft.

Next 10 picks in 3rd round:

82. Kendell Beckwith, ILB, LSU

83. Duke Riley, LB, LSU

84. Sidney Jones, CB, Washington

85. Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech

86. D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas

87. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama

88. Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn

89. Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee

90. Derek Rivers, OLB, Youngstown State

91. Davis Webb, QB, Cal

Round 1 (17): Haason Reddick, LB, Temple

Round 2 (49): Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma

Round 3 (81): Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State

Reddick is a true three-down linebacker, with the ability to cover in space and get after the QB on passing downs. His performance at the Senior Bowl and testing numbers at the combine catapulted him into the first round. Mixon would be a first-round pick if not for major off-field concerns. He's a natural pass-catcher and looks like a three-down back in the NFL. Kazee is a natural ball hawk who had 15 interceptions the past two seasons and shined during Senior Bowl practices. At just 5-foot-10¼, 184 pounds, he has the toughness to compete with bigger wide receivers.