Could Redskins Move Back in the First Round; Then Trade Up?

The thought of moving back in the 2018 NFL Draft brings a smile to the faces of Redskins fans all over the globe. But when fans hear the words “trade up”, their white undies turn a different color!

What if both were to happen in the early stages of the 2018 NFL Draft?

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The Scenario:

We all assume this is going to be a quarterback-heavy first round of the draft next Thursday. It’s very possible that six quarterbacks go in the first round - four very likely in the top 12. There are some teams who sit outside the top 12 who may also be in the market for a quarterback of the future. Arizona (pick 15), LA Chargers (pick 17), New England (pick 23) and New Orleans (pick 27) could all be teams who could move up for a quarterback should one slip, or if they covet a player like Lamar Jackson or Mason Rudolph.

The Redskins, who sit at pick 13, could benefit from a team willing to trade ahead of Arizona to grab one of the few remaining quarterbacks; or even Arizona themselves trading up a few spots to draft a signal caller before the others do.

For arguments sake, let’s say the Patriots want Lamar Jackson, and decide to make a trade with the Redskins to acquire his services.

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The Trade:

To move up 10 spots to pick 13, the Patriots send the Redskins a 2018 first round pick (#23) and 2018 second round pick (#63).

With pick number 13 the Patriots select Lamar Jackson, quarterback from Louisville.

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Redskins Draft:

The Redskins now hold the 23rd, 44th and 63rd picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.

RD 1 (Pick 23): Da’Ron Payne DT Alabama

- This is a great spot for Payne to land in this draft. He may start out his career as a 2-down run stuffer in the Redskins base 3-4 front, but he has the ability as he matures to become a complete defensive tackle, capable of playing all three techniques.

Payne needs to work on staying low off the snap and using his hands to disengage offensive linemen, but he can grow under the coaching of Jim Tomsula, and blossom into a very nice player down the road.

Trade:

The Redskins trade picks 44 and 63 in the second round to the Titans for pick number 25 overall.

RD 1 (Pick 25): Derrius Guice RB LSU

- The Redskins need a true bell-cow running back in Jay Gruden’s offense. They have made it no secret they wanted to upgrade the running back position this offseason.

In Guice, the Redskins get a complete 3-down back, who can run between the tackles, turn the corner with his speed, make guys miss and run guys over. His receiving skills are very underrated, and he’s a very willing blocker. He runs angry and plays with a major chip on his shoulder.

RD 4 (Pick 109): Wyatt Teller OG VT

-Teller is a bit rough around the edges, and may need a half season to be broken in and ready for NFL action, but he has starting potential at left guard. If he shows the skills he did in 2016, the transition should be that much faster.

RD 5 (Pick 142): Tegray Scales LB Indiana

-Scales is an instinctive linebacker with a nose of the football. He’s a bit tight in the hips, but has the ability to sink effectively into zone coverage and break on the pass. He’s probably limited to reserve play and special teams as a rookie, but he has future starting potential.

RD 5 (Pick 142): Quin Blanding S Virginia

-Blanding has NFL size, but he lacks the desired speed and quick-twitch to be great in coverage. He’s just an average tackler, who often launches instead of rolling his hips through the ball carrier. With some good coaching to clean up some bad habits, he has potential down the road to be a contributor on the back end.

RD 6 (Pick 205): Grant Haley CB PSU

-Haley would fit in very well as a slot corner for the Redskins. He’s quick to recognize routes, and has the ball skills to create turnovers. He’s a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with a high football IQ and great work-ethic.

RD 7 (Pick 231): Ike Boettger OL Iowa

-Boettger is a developmental prospect who played in a pro-friendly scheme at Iowa. He can play both guard and tackle, but he’s limited athletically which may keep him on the inside.

RD 7 (Pick 241): Du’Vonta Lampkin DT Oklahoma

-Lampkin is a powerful space-eating nose tackle who will be limited to two downs in the NFL. He’s a true boom-or-bust prospect who will need good coaching and a solid support system around him to succeed.