Redskins Senior Bowl News and Notes

With the week of practice wrapped up I wanted to share some Redskins focused takes from the Senior Bowl. For my general Senior Bowl reports you can check them out here! I’ll have plenty more from the game as well as additional interviews, and breakdowns.

End of the Bruce Allen Era:

-Since I’ve been coming down to the Senior Bowl in 2012, Bruce Allen always manned the same spot about 25 rows up in the corner of the end zone. Generally he’d be with one or two staffers while the rest of the Redskins scouts and coaches would sit together in the stands or watch along the sideline. From time-to-time a scout or coach would come find Allen, but for the most part he sat up there on his own.

It was refreshing to see that spot vacated an a new era for the Redskins.

Redskins were well represented:

-Ron Rivera was apparently on the inside of the sideline for one practice (though I didn’t see him myself). He was joined in Mobile by Scott Turner and a host of other coaches. Turner watched most of the practice from the sideline and he was talking with other Redskins coaches and scouts. For Turner and the other coaches this is likely their first real look at these players, now they will get to watch film and cross check what they saw in Mobile.

The Redskins were mainly represented by Kyle Smith and his contingent of scouts and front office personnel. They are the ones who stayed for every practice and are part of every interview. They also are the ones most familiar with the prospects in practice and can compare them to their previous reports.

While of course every team is represented in Mobile, it was nice to see the Redskins coaching staff make an appearance. Some teams don’t send any coaches and other teams don’t have as many scouts or FO personnel in attendence. The Redskins took four players from the Senior Bowl a year ago: Montez Sweat, Terry McLaurin, Ross Pierschbacher and Jimmy Moreland.

Senior Bowl group strong at OL and WR:

If the Redskins take Chase Young with their 1st round pick and without a 2nd round pick, the earliest they could select a Senior Bowl prospect would be their 3rd rounder (66th). In addition the Redskins are expected to have two 4th round picks, a 5th rounder and a pair of 7th round picks. Those four picks between the 3rd and the 5th round could be a sweet spot area for a number of Senior Bowl prospects.

The wide receiver group down here is extremely impressive, despite not having any of the 6-8 receivers down here. The Redskins could easily find a quality receiver in the 3rd or 4th round, who could contribute as a rookie. Some names that make sense: Michael Pittman (not expected to play in the game), Denzel Mims, Chase Claypool, Van Jefferson, Collin Johnson, Jauan Jennings, KJ Hill.

The offensive line group is really good down here as well. While players like Josh Jones and probably Lloyd Cushenberry and Matt Hennessy will be off the board by the 3rd round, there are plenty of other intriguing options. At tackle Ben Bartch (who did go down with an injury in the final practice, unclear how serious it is) and Matt Peart would be developmental options that could at least unseat Christian as the swing tackle.

Ben Bredeson, Jonah Jackson, John Simpson and Logan Stenberg could be options at guard if the Redskins either need to find a starter or to back-up Wes Martin if he gets pushed into the starting line-up.

Other positions have intriguing options as well:

Edge: If the Redskins were to trade back and not take Chase Young with the 2nd overall pick, there are plenty of good EDGE rushers from this Senior Bowl group. Terrell Lewis, Josh Uche, Bradlee Anae, Jason Strowbridge, Kenny Willekes, Jabari Zuniga, Jonathan Greenard, and Darrell Taylor Jr. all have the potential to be at least rotational rushers at the next level, and most project as starters.

Linebackers: With a move to the 4-3, the Redskins could use a few more linebackers on their roster. Zack Baun is a hybrid EDGE/LB and while it’s unlikely he slides to 66, it’s not impossible as he might not fit every team. Malik Harrison and Akeem Davis-Gaither could both be options at 66 (or perhaps slide to the top of the 4th). Either would add an athletic cover linebacker to the team.

Tight Ends: One of the Redskins biggest need areas is tight end. Adam Trautman and Harrison Bryant both like like top 75 prospects, and guys who could contribute as rookie and become the Redskins new pass catching TE. Brycen Hopkins or Jared Pinkney could be 4th round options.

Cornerbacks: Most of the top corners aren’t in Mobile, but there are some guys who could be intriguing. I dont know if I’d take any of them in the 3rd, but with one of those 4th rounders or the 5th there are options. Lamar Jackson, Troy Pride Jr., Michael Ojemudia, Dane Jackson, Darnay Holmes, and Kindle Vildor all are of mild interest.

What do you guys think? Who should the Redskins add from the Senior Bowl when they are on the clock in April?