2018 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper gives the Redskins a new QB

ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. has released his first mock draft of the season, and the Redskins are getting someone who will cause a lot of debate within the fanbase. The never-ending Kirk Cousins contract situation looms large over this year’s offseason, and the outcome will shape the future of the team for years to come. This weighs heavily into Kiper’s draft pick for the Redskins, giving Washington the 4th QB off the board, Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield.

Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

This all depends on Kirk Cousins. Is Washington going to franchise tag him again? Remember, if the Redskins do it for the third straight year, he would cost more than $34 million in 2018. Could Washington let him test the free-agent market? He could get a huge deal, but it might not be from the Redskins. If Cousins walks, there’s no ready-made replacement. They would have to scan the free-agent market or draft a quarterback. Don’t count out the Heisman Trophy winner being taken this high. He is going to get a chance to impress scouts at the Senior Bowl, and I know they’re interested in seeing how he performs. If Washington keeps Cousins, inside linebacker is a clear position of need.

Some people love him, and his play-making ability. Others question how his game, and attitude, will translate at the next level. Mayfield(6’1”, 220 lbs) just finished his 3rd season as the starting QB at Oklahoma, and won the Heisman Trophy. He was a walk on at Texas Tech in 2013, before transferring to Oklahoma. Mayfield finished his final college season with 4,627 yards passing, 43 TDs, and only 6 INTs. He also added another 311 yards and 5 TDs on the ground.

The Redskins need to sign Cousins long-term or be forced to move on quickly this offseason. If Washington goes the tag route, they will have an expensive rental with no solid plan for the future. Colt McCoy is the only QB on the roster with any real NFL experience, and Jay Gruden seems to love the guy. If Cousins is playing elsewhere next season, the team needs to bring in another veteran QB, draft one high, or both.