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The first wave of free agency is behind us, and teams are now shopping for deals. That doesn’t mean the Redskins won’t be players for a few more guys that can come in and help the team, but barring an unexpected big-name signing, we can probably go on the assumption that any big remaining holes will have to be filled in April’s draft.
The Redskins did take care of a few major needs with the trade for Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, the signings of former Seahawks speedy wide receiver Paul Richardson, Cowboys veteran corner Orlando Scandrick. and re-signing linebacker Zach Brown. They also kept wide receiver Brian Quick, safety Deshazor Everett, and kicker Dustin Hopkins in-house.
Despite these recent moves, there are still some major holes left to fill come April. In a recent radio interview, head coach Jay Gruden shared some insight on the teams possible plans in April’s draft.
Thanks to Hunter for posting these transcripts from Jay’s interview with Grant Paulsen on 106.7 The Fan
Running back
"That's a good possibility yes(adding a running back in the draft). We have some guys in house we feel pretty comfortable with, but it would be nice to add a 1st, 2nd down back to gives us a little juice and help us out" Jay Gruden with @granthpaulsen on @1067theFan
— Scott Jennings (@HunterLoganX) March 20, 2018
Cornerback
"We feel comfortable with our CB spot right now, but we do need to add some depth and special teams help and we will in the draft/free agency" Jay Gruden with @granthpaulsen on @1067theFan
— Scott Jennings (@HunterLoganX) March 20, 2018
Left Guard
"We have to look at a lot of different guys at left guard, Arie left and came back, Kalis left and came back. We're talking to some other guards who have played a lot of football out there. Always looking at in the 4th, 5th, 6th rd, maybe 2nd" Jay Gruden with @granthpaulsen
— Scott Jennings (@HunterLoganX) March 20, 2018
Doug Williams has eluded twice during interviews, that upgrading the running back situation would be a priority for the team this offseason. With seemingly no interest towards any veterans on the free agent market thus far, the draft seems a logical way to go for our Skins.
There is also the possibility the Redskins will trade hybrid safety/linebacker Su’a Cravens before or during the draft, netting them some form of compensation for the former 2016 second round pick.
With that, I give you my Redskins mock draft for 2018.
#1 - Browns: Sam Darnold QB USC
#2 - Giants: Saquon Barkley RB PSU
#3 - Jets: Josh Rosen QB UCLA
#4 - Bills (TRADE with Browns): Josh Allen QB Wyoming
#5 - Broncos: Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma
#6 - Colts: Bradley Chubb EDGE NC State
#7 - Buccaneers: Denzel Ward CB Ohio St
#8 - Bears: Quenton Nelson G ND
#9 - 49ers: Minkah Fitzpatrick DB Alabama
#10 - Raiders: Vita Vea DT Washington
#11 - Dolphins: Tremaine Edmunds LB Va Tech
#12 - Browns (TRADE with Bills): Mike McGlinchey OT ND
#13 - Washington Redskins: Derwin James S Florida St.
James is one of the best overall players in this draft, and a run on quarterbacks helps him slide to the Redskins at pick number 13. He is an athletic freak who can play free safety, strong safety, dime linebacker and even cornerback.
Defensive coordinator Greg Munusky should have fun utilizing James’ unique skill-set in his defense.
Derwin James no topo da tela dando um pancake no RT dos Gators. pic.twitter.com/im022OIfdE
— ALL22ProFootball (@All22_PF) March 2, 2018
Derwin James is something else pic.twitter.com/5AoMeLsml3
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) March 5, 2018
Round 2 - Ronald Jones II RB USC
Round 4 - B.J. Hill DT NC State
Round 5 - Will Clapp C/G LSU
Round 6 - Micah Kiser LB Virginia
Round 7 - Christian Campbell CB PSU
Round 7 - Steve Ishmael WR Syracuse
Poll
What overall grade do you give this draft?
This poll is closed
-
17%
A
-
45%
B
-
27%
C
-
6%
D
-
3%
F