Redskins Mock Draft Simulation: Going RB early

For my next Redskins Mock Draft simulation using On the Clock I decided to stay put and not make any trades to get a feel for what would happen if the Redskins didn’t make any big draft moves. In this one I decided to address the RB spot early and go from there. As always you can follow along here!

13: R1P13 RB DERRIUS GUICE LSU

-While generally I think this is a bit too high to take Guice, I do think he’s a first round talent and the Redskins have a clear need at running back. Guice gives the Redskins a complete back who has size, speed, agility to go along with excellent vision. He has a good 2nd gear and can break big gains when he gets to the open field. At the same him he has the body type to run between the tackles and get the tough yards as well.

The other benefit beyond what Guice brings to the ground game is what he could mean to the offense in general. Alex Smith has typically had elite running games to support him throughout his career so adding that to the Redskins could be key in helping him produce at the level the Redskins expect. Guice would give the Redskins a serious threat in the Red Zone, something they have lacked over the past few seasons making the Redskins too one dimensional when the field is shortened.

44: R2P12 DL HARRISON PHILLIPS STANFORD

-Phillips is someone I mocked to the Redskins in the first simulation I did, and he remains one of the best options for the Redskins in their efforts to fix their run defense. Phillips is a smart, physical defensive tackle who was insanely productive at Stanford. He’s a smart, physical defensive lineman, who can play NT and 5 Tech in base and any interior role in a 4 man front. Though his pass rush isn’t on the same level as his run defense, he’s still shown himself to be productive in that area. He’s the type of prospect Jim Tomsula will likely stand on the table for and he’d be an excellent pick at 44.

For more insight into Phillips read my Senior Bowl interview with him!

109: R4P9 S KYZIR WHITE WVU

-White is listed as a safety and he can fill that role as an in the box SS type, but he may be more of a hybrid LB/SS at the next level. He could fill a similar role to what Su’a Cravens did his rookie year, with a lot of work in third down situations. He can cover TEs and backs pretty well in man coverage and he’s a pretty good blitzer as well. He’s strong in run support, taking good angles in pursuit and is quick to diagnose the play and react. White is a strong leader on defense as he was a team captain and clearly took a leadership role down at the Senior Bowl. While he doesn’t fill the FS role, his value as a SS and TE match-up option (something the Redskins have struggled with last year) makes him a quality option for the Redskins in the 4th round.

142: R5P5 LB MICAH KISER VIRGINIA

-Kiser is a smart, physical linebacker who was very productive at UVA over the past three seasons and one of that team’s leaders. He is really strong versus the run showing great instincts as to where the play is going. Kiser does a nice job keeping himself clean and getting off blocks to still make the play. He tested better at the combine than expected, but there are some questions about his athleticism in covering TEs. That will likely push him to the late 4th-6th rd range, and may keep him from being an every down player in the NFL. In the early 5th Kiser is worth the investment even if he maxes out as a back-up player/core special teamer.

163: R5P26 G SEAN WELSH IOWA

-Welsh is a versatile interior offensive lineman, who has started games as a LG, RG, and RT (though not a real fit outside at the NFL level) and has worked at center in practice and at the Senior Bowl. He’s not the biggest guard/center option in the class, but he plays a very physical style that allows him to hold up versus bigger defensive linemen. Welsh is good as both a run and pass blocker, but he could use some refinement in both areas. While not an ideal guy to compete for a role as a rookie, he has the experience and smarts to push for the LG role if the Redskins don’t bring in any one else. He would probably be better served spending a year bulking up more and working on his technique.

188: R6P14 G SKYLER PHILLIPS IDAHO STATE

-Phillips is another intriguing later round interior offensive line prospect as he has some real potential to develop into a solid starter, but he’s also a bit raw. Phillips played up-and-down the line at Idaho State over his 5 years there (he earned a medical redshirt), and has intriguing versatility, though his size makes him more of a guard or center prospect outside of emergency work. When watching Phillips you see a strong powerful player, who has a solid anchor and good feet, but also one who is pretty inconsistent and needs to clean up a number of things. Between a couple of injuries and working at multiple positions he’s probably behind where you’d want him to be at this point, but the natural ability is there and he has a shot to develop into a starting interior player. From the Redskins standpoint he probably wouldn’t push for much of a role as a rookie, but year two or three he could be pushing for either the starting LG or C job.

231: R7P13 DL BILAL NICHOLS DELAWARE

-Nichols is a smaller school guy who has been really productive the past few years both versus the run and the pass. He’s got some athletic ability and some natural power, that allows him to get penetration and hold up in run support. Nichols is a high motor guy, who won’t stop until the whistle and doesn’t take plays off. He’s really unrefined as a prospect and profiles as a guy who either develops on the Practice Squad or as the last guy on your depth chart for a year or two. If he can eventual improve his technique and pass rush moves to match his natural ability and work ethic you could have a late round find.

241: R7P23 WR BRAXTON BERRIOS MIAMI

-Berrios is a slot receiver only, but he’s got a solid skill set for that role and offers upside as a punt return man as well. Berrios does a nice job finding openings vs zone defense, and shows quality route running to get open vs man. He was a bit of a late bloomer who didn’t do much until his Senior campaign, but after a good year he should be in late round consideration. A workout injury prevented him from working out at the Combine which will probably make him a 7th rd guy or UDFA. He’s appealing to the Redskins for two reasons, one his punt return ability is something that is definitely needed and two the Redskins currently don’t have any real good options behind Crowder for the slot.

Overview:

Obviously without extra picks in the 2nd-4th rounds there is less early impact from this group, but Guice and Phillips should be day 1 starters. White should find himself in the mix for 30-50% of the snaps in a hybrid role. The rest are primarily back-ups/special teamers, but there is definitely the potential for larger future roles for guys like Kiser, Welsh and Phillips. Berrios could also have some potential as a replacement for Crowder in the slot long term if he leaves in free agency. The biggest concern I see is the lack of an answer at guard for the Redskins. While I took two of the better and more intriguing later round guys in Welsh and Phillips, I think it’s a tough ask for either to contribute as rookies (though there is the potential given Welsh’s experience). Overall I see this as a good haul for the Redskins, but given the positional concerns for RB, Guice will need to hit his ceiling for this to make sense. If he’s just a “good” back that would be a clear improvement for the Redskins, but probably not the return on the investment of the 13th overall pick. Tell me what you think below! Is Guice worth the 13th pick just to finally solidify the position?