Redskins Mock Draft Scenario

For this mock draft I decided that I was going to stay put for the first two rounds as long as I could land an impact player at those picks. I still wanted to add extra picks if I could using the OTC Premium, but any trade back options would be in later rounds. You can follow along with the mock draft here!

17: R1P17 RB CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY STANFORD

-McCaffrey gives the Redskins an impact offensive weapon and a running back who can balance out their offense. Currently the Redskins running back depth chart is not just one of their weakest positions, but it easily one of the weakest units around the league. Robert Kelley started strong, but he faded down the stretch and he’s not likely to be the answer as a lead back. McCaffrey changes that and gives the Redskins a running back capable of being a consistent top 10 runner in the league. In addition to that McCaffrey is an elite receiver out of the backfield, and he can help add another impressive threat to the Redskins passing offense.

49: R2P17 DL CALEB BRANTLEY FLORIDA

-While overall I question the upside of the defensive line class, Brantley is a guy who i do believe warrants some top 50 consideration. Brantley is one of the few defensive linemen who not only can become a starter, but has a chance to be a pretty decent starter as well. He can help both as a run and pass defender, and he’s versatile enough to handle any interior position on a defensive line. While I think he’s more of a 5 technique/3-tech in the Redskins defense he could be utilized as a NT in some match-ups as well.

94: R3P30 CB RASUL DOUGLAS WEST VIRGINIA

-The Redskins shouldn’t ignore the corner position in this deep draft class as they face a lot of unknowns in the future. Adding a guy like Douglas who has a nice long frame and good speed, gives the Redskins a potential starter if Breeland leaves in free agency after the season. He could even look to push for reps this season if Kendall Fuller hasn’t developed any further.

114: R4P7 EDGE DEMARCUS WALKER FLORIDA STATE

-In the Redskins system Walker would be utilized as a 5T in the 3 man set and a 3T when the Redskins are in the nickel defense. He adds a lot of pass rush potential to the Redskins and he can help as the Redskins look to replace Chris Baker. Walker probably isn’t going to be a starter in the Redskins defense, but he will compete with Anthony Lanier to fill potentially a significant role on passing downs.

123: R4P16 S JOHN JOHNSON BOSTON COLLEGE

-While I would have preferred to address the free safety position, I do really like Johnson and feel that he has future starting potential. Johnson could push for a role as a rookie in the sub-package and also help on special teams. Johnson has really good size and instincts and he could help allow Cravens to play closer to the line on third downs and other passing situations.

135: R4P28 WR JOSH REYNOLDS TEXAS A&M

-The Redskins don’t have an immediate need at wide receiver, but by next year that could change as both Pryor and Quick are impending free agents. Reynolds has size, speed and leaping ability, making him a nice downfield threat and a good red zone target.

154: R5P10 S TEDRIC THOMPSON COLORADO

-Thompson is another intriguing later round free safety prospect, with some future starting potential. Thompson gives the Redskins another player capable of handling a true free safety role and just more general depth to a secondary that needs a lot of help and youth. Thompson is similar to Johnson in that they are both a little forgotten in this deep safety class, but they both have upside and natural talent.

201: R6P17 DL STEVIE TU'IKOLOVATU SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

-Tu’ikolovatu is going to be a run down nose tackle specialist at the next level and while that could lead to him earning a number of “starts”, he probably will max out at 300 or less snaps a season. That doesn’t mean he can’t bring value as he can be a force inside on running plays, though he does need to clean up his technique and ensure he’s playing at a lighter weight.

209: R6P25 G SEAN HARLOW OREGON STATE

-Harlow is a solid versatile offensive lineman, and while he’s not likely to compete for a starting role early on, he has some future potential. Harlow provides solid depth with a little upside to go along with it.

220: R7P2 LB BLAIR BROWN OHIO

-Brown is an inside backer with good instincts and solid athleticism who is coming off a strong year. He’s undersized and he won’t wow as a big hitter, but he shows starting caliber instincts and run support ability. Given that the Redskins have their top 3 ILBs set to be free agents adding another name to the mix makes sense.

235: R7P17 OT JUSTIN SENIOR MISSISSIPPI STATE

-Senior is a solid depth offensive tackle option the Redskins could look at in the late rounds. It’s not a high priority area of need with Ty Nseke under contract this year, but it’s always good to have strong depth along the offensive line. Senior has size and power, but he does need a good bit of development.

What do you think? What do you like about this draft and what would you change? Is it a concern that a true edge pass rusher wasn’t added or that offensive line help came at the end of the draft?