Washington Redskins 2020 Draft Profiles: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Patrick Queen

Linebacker

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 227 lbs.

LSU

Strengths:

Patrick Queen is a national champion and one of the top-rated defensive players in the draft class due to his instincts and high football IQ in addition to his closing speed and strength. He is at his best at the heart of the defense and can move across the field effectively. Queen has the physicality, toughness and explosiveness to set the tone defensively, and he’s very competitive.

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Weaknesses:

There aren’t many tangible knocks on Queen, but some believe his small sample size — 16 starts for LSU — could mean he’s too good to be true. He only started five games in 2018 and didn’t win the starting job from the getgo in 2019, though he quickly made noise when he took over. Also, scouts at The Draft Network have tabbed “functional athleticism” and play strength as a weakness for Queen.

Why he may fit with Washington:

Washington desperately needs help at the linebacker position, and Queen fits just about as nicely as anyone could on that side of the ball. The Redskins need playmakers under new head coach Ron Rivera and new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. While Queen isn’t attainable for Washington value-wise with its current draft picks, a quarterback-needy team could send the ’Skins a king’s ransom for the No. 2 overall pick. With some nifty draft board maneuvering, Washington could end up with Queen and a ton of picks in the process.

Bottom Line:

Patrick Queen projects as a star at the next level due to his special measurables and instincts, and if the Redskins get a good enough offer, they can trade down and have Queen as the crown jewel of the defense instead of Ohio State’s Chase Young.

Projected Round: Late 1st