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The NFL season is officially over, and the off-season has begun. Although the 2018 season did not go the way the Redskins planned, hope now springs eternal, because as we all know, the Redskins really like winning off the field.
I used Fanspeak’s On the Clock Mock Draft simulator 2019 for this seven round mock draft. I chose the Fanspeak Big Board by our own Steve Shoup, and Fanspeak Team Needs. For a more challenging scenario, I chose the difficult setting for my mock.
Before I did my draft, I chose some key free agent signings that I’d like to see the team make, so you can see the rational for some of my selections.
Key Free Agent Signings:
Darqueze Dennard CB
Shane Ray EDGE
Tyrell Williams WR
You can see the entire draft here.
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Player Breakdown:
RD 1 - Devin White: You all know my love of the linebacker position. Most of you also know how incredibly critical I was last season of the inside linebacker play. The linebackers are the lifeline of the defense, and as they go, so does that side of the football.
In White, the Redskins get the best linebacker in college football. He has everything you look for as a future leader of the defense. He’s fast, aggressive, instinctive and a tenacious hitter. He can play sideline-to-sideline, drop into coverage, cover backs and tight ends one-on-one and blitz. He’s a do-it-all player who has All-Pro potential.
It won’t take long for fans to fall in love with this pick!
RD 2 - Deebo Samuel: Wide receiver is one of the weakest positions on this team. The addition of Tyrell Williams via free agency and Deebo Samuel in the draft immediately make this unit dangerous.
Samuel is very much like former Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon in how physical he is after the catch, and his running back like mentality. He is a much better route runner than Garcon was coming into the league, and should be an immediate contributor at any of the three wide receiver spots (X, Z or Slot).
RD 3 - Jarrett Stidham: I have really began taking quite a liking to Stidham. He’s not a polished prospect just yet, but his potential is through the roof. The more I study him, the more I like him. Stidham has good size, an excellent arm, good pocket presence and sneaky athleticism. I have a feeling after watching a lot of his film, that he may indeed turn out to be the best quarterback in this class down the road. His numbers at Auburn weren’t eye-popping, and he surprised many when he declared for the 2019 draft, but with the right coaching, and some patience, he should be a high-level NFL starter for years.
RD 3 - Ryan Bates: I know quite a bit about Ryan Bates, as I’ve watched the guy play since he arrived at Penn State as a blue-chip in-state prospect. He was moved around during his time in Happy Valley due to injuries and necessity. He can play either tackle position, but his future in the NFL is at guard. Bates has great fundamentals, powerful hands, and very light, quick feet. In my opinion, he will be a plug-and-play left guard, who has the ability to slide out to tackle in a pinch. He is scheme diverse, but I really see him being great when asked to operate in space and work up to the second level.
RD 5 - Bryce Love: A knee injury suffered last season is why you see Love dropping in this draft. When healthy, he is a dynamic running back with plus receiving skills. With Chris Thompson on the roster, Love may have the luxury of going on the PUP list and learning the system while he works his way back to 100 percent. This may be a pick for the future rather than the present, but if things work out, he could be a great change-of-pace back to Guice, and Thompson’s eventual replacement.
RD 5 - Chuma Edoga: Edoga is a raw prospect with a high ceiling. Although he’s under 6’5”, he has incredibly long arms, and quick feet. He is a positional blocker versus a traditional mauler. He’ll need to add some functional strength, but he a piece of clay for a offensive line coach to mold.
RD 6 - Darius West: West showed well during Kentucky’s 2018 campaign, and his bowl game against Penn State was one of his best all season. He loves to mix it up at the line of scrimmage, and will play much bigger than his 210 pound listed weight. He’s a bit tight-hipped which will limit him in coverage, but he should make an immediate impact on special teams, and be a future contributor at strong safety.
RD 7 - Carl Granderson: Granderson is a developmental EDGE with a solid motor and a good frame to build on. He needs to work on his secondary moves, and be a bit more consistent with his pad level at the point of contact. He has good bend and burst that coaches will love to work with.