Setting up the Redskins Pick at Number 13

With only five days left until the start of the 2018 NFL Draft, I wanted to take a look at what will eventually set the table for the Redskins pick at number 13 (or later if we trade back).

Below is a snapshot of the teams picking 1-12, and some likely scenarios with each of them.

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Pick 1 - Browns: The Browns have to go quarterback with one of their two picks in the top four. The most likely scenario is that they take Darnold at number 1, and the BPA on their board at number 4. There is a chance we can see them target the best player in the draft, Saquon Barkley, at pick number one, then target a quarterback at number 4 (this would actually be the smart way to go).

Pick 2 - Giants: Eli Manning had a down year least season, but he’s still got a lot left in the tank, and the Giants seem set on rolling with him for the short-term. Does this mean they won’t draft a quarterback with the second overall pick...no, but I’d put the chances at less than 10 percent. The most likely pick here in Saquon Barkley. The dynamic runner would help out every aspect of that offense, and take a ton of pressure off of Manning to carry this team. If Barkley goes first overall, Chubb and Nelson would also make sense.

Pick 3 - Jets: You can book it that the Jets, who moved up with the Colts to third overall, will be taking a quarterback at number three. Which one they select is still up in the air, but my money is on Baker Mayfield.

Pick 4 - Browns: Unless the Browns trade out of this spot (which is still a strong possibility), they will either take a quarterback (if they go elsewhere with the first pick), or the best player available who fits a need (Barkley or Chubb).

Pick 5 - Broncos: I think the Broncos can go a lot of different directions here, but one move I do not see them making is taking a quarterback. My money in on Quenton Nelson.

Pick 6 - Colts: The Colts traded back a few spots with the Jets, and are now at the mercy of the picks in front of them. I believe Barkley and Chubb would be their top two targets if either one is available, but if both are gone (like I feel they will be), I can see them taking a versatile defender like Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Pick 7 - Buccaneers: This is a perfect landing spot for a defensive back. I think the pick will be between Ward, Fitzpatrick and James.

Pick 8 - Bears: I think the Bears miss out on their two top players at a big need in Nelson and Chubb. If either one were there, they’d both be home run picks, but I believe they reach slightly for a need and select Tremaine Edmunds for their new defense.

Pick 9 - 49ers: With the recent mishaps of second year linebacker Reuben Foster, and his playing future being in jeopardy, the 49ers and Roquan Smith would be the perfect marriage.

Pick 10 - Raiders: The Raiders need defensive help. There is a good chance that both of the top linebackers will be gone. I think Vita Vea is the logical pick here.

Pick 11 - Dolphins: The Dolphins can go so many ways with this pick, but I think they ultimately decide on a defensive back - whoever is left between Fitzpatrick, Ward or James is my guess. My money is on Derwin James.

Pick 12 - Bills: The Bills are in search of a quarterback, and I believe their patience here has paid off, as they have their choice of Josh Rosen or Josh Allen.

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The Giants and Broncos are the wild-cards here in my opinion. If either one of them takes a quarterback, the cards will be re-shuffled. If both pass on quarterbacks, like I think they will, the 13th spot could become a hot-spot for a team to trade up and select one of the top remaining signal callers.

Here is my board for the Redskins in the 1st round (I did not include any QB’s or EDGE rushers in my top 9):

SAQUON BARKLEY, RB, PENN STATE

QUENTON NELSON, G, NOTRE DAME

MINKAH FITZPATRICK, S, ALABAMA

DENZEL WARD, CB, OHIO STATE

DERWIN JAMES, S, FLORIDA STATE

TREMAINE EDMUNDS, STACK LB, VIRGINIA TECH

ROQUAN SMITH, STACK LB, GEORGIA

DERRIUS GUICE, RB, LSU

VITA VEA, DT, WASHINGTON

These would be the next prospects I would consider in a trade-back in the first:

MAURICE HURST, DT, MICHIGAN

DA’RON PAYNE, DT, ALABAMA

TAVEN BRYAN, DL, FLORIDA

LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH, STACK LB, BOISE STATE

JAIRE ALEXANDER, CB, LOUISVILLE

LAMAR JACKSON, QB, LOUISVILLE

HAROLD LANDRY, EDGE, BOSTON COLLEGE