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The show must go on, and this year’s NFL draft will be unlike any we’ve seen. The Redskins still have 7 draft picks after all of the moves over the last month. This includes the #2 overall pick which many people expect them to use on Ohio State DE Chase Young. The Tua Tagovailoa hype is still there for some reason.
We’ve seen plenty of trade scenarios for the Redskins in the first round. We have two options for Washington to trade down with the Miami Dolphins or the Los Angeles Chargers and getting Tristan Wirfs or Isaiah Simmons, or trading down with the Jacksonville Jaguars and picking up a veteran. A number of 5, and 7 round mocks are included this week to get a look at what the “experts” are giving to the Redskins. We also still have one holdout for the Tua to the Redskins train if you’re keeping hope alive for that to happen!
We’re a little over a week from the NFL draft that is still scheduled to happen April 23-25. A lot can change between now and then. What happens with the Redskins 1st round pick this year?
Trade!
TRADE: Dolphins trade 5, 18 to the Redskins for 2 to select Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
5: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The Redskins moved down from No. 2 because, even though Chase Young is a terrific prospect, he’s not good enough to fill all of Washington’s holes. So they get extra picks and start their draft with the top OT on their board.
TRADE: Chargers trade 6, and 2021 1st round pick to the Redskins for 2 to select Tua Tagovailoa QB, Alabama
6: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Washington is able to add some draft capital and slide back to grade a defensive difference maker. They actually have a pretty solid defensive line so this has the greatest impact on their front seven.
Washington gets: DE Yannick Ngakoue, 1-9, 2-42, 2021 first-round pick (via LAR)
Jaguars get: 1-2, 2021 second-round pick
With Washington out of the quarterback market, it’s going to take a whopper of an offer to get it away from star edge rusher Chase Young. One way to do that would be to get a big offer — and a bunch of picks — in a swap with the Jaguars. Ngakoue has made no secret of his desire to move on from Jacksonville, including a trip to NFL Live last week. Going off the Frank Clark and Dee Ford deals from last season, his trade value is somewhere around a late first-rounder or an early second-rounder, given that few people were projecting the pick the 49ers were sending for Ford to land at the bottom of the round.
This deal slots Ngakoue and the new contract he’s about to receive in that range. It leaves the Jaguars with the opportunity to draft Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert or Jordan Love, all of whom might be off the board by the time their pick comes up at No. 9. Jacksonville was pleasantly surprised with what it saw from rookie sixth-round pick Gardner Minshew last season, but as it kicks off yet another rebuild after shedding the best draft pick of the Dave Caldwell era, it’s only a matter of time before the Jags gets their quarterback of the future. They still have the Rams’ first-rounder in 2020 (No. 20) plus their own first-rounder and a pair of second-rounders in 2021 to rebuild that defense.
Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
Unless Washington trades back to try to add more picks — and it would take a huge haul, as I mentioned in my mailbag last week — I’m sticking with Young, a sensational edge rusher and one of the most NFL-ready defenders I have graded in the past few years. Ron Rivera’s defense has some talent, and now all eyes are on quarterback Dwayne Haskins in Year 2.
Washington has been on the other end of a massive trade for the No. 2 pick so they know what it would take to move down off the player most have graded as the best in the draft. Miami and Oakland might be the only ones that have the ammo but won’t part with it as D.C.’s pass rush looks increasingly like an elite unit.
Ron Rivera can’t turn down the opportunity to add the premier pass rusher in the class to a defensive front that’s loaded with former first-round picks.
My colleague Bucky Brooks recently used the phrase “gold jacket” to describe Young on NFL Network. It’s not that crazy. One general manager told me Young could have an even greater impact than reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa just had in San Francisco.
There’s a chance the Dolphins get a little worried someone leapfrogs them for a quarterback, so they’ll likely call Washington, but Ron Rivera’s club will ultimately pick Young.
Chase Young is the best player in this draft class and the Redskins have needs up and down the roster. Put another way: feel free to entertain draft offers but DO NOT DRAFT A QB HERE. NO MATTER WHAT, DON’T DO IT.
Why not take the best pass rusher in this class? Young will be a force for new defense.
Ron Rivera said last week that, in the case of an abbreviated training camp or other changes that significantly condense the football calendar during this pandemic, Kyle Allen would “have a leg up” on earning the starting job over Dwayne Haskins. At the least, it signaled that the new coaching staff isn’t sure about last year’s first-round pick. Even so, that doesn’t mean Rivera would take a QB here, especially as he seems comfortable with having Allen start if need be. Rivera’s peers around the league can’t see him passing up on a uniquely talented edge rusher like Young, who could have a Nick Bosa-like impact on Washington’s front when paired with former first-rounders Ryan Kerrigan, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat.
There was a report recently that teams picking outside the top three haven’t even bothered to reach out to Young. It makes sense considering there isn’t a chance he falls outside the top three. In fact, it would be a shock to see him not go to Washington. The jerseys should already be printed up.
Assuming the Redskins do not get a can’t-refuse offer to trade back, they should jump at the chance to get this cornerstone talent for the team’s defensive rebuild under defensive-minded Ron Rivera. Young (6-5, 264 pounds) is a game-changing disruptor who had 16.5 sacks in only 12 games as a junior. He can produce at an all-around level even higher than that of Nick Bosa, who went No. 2 from the Buckeyes to the 49ers and promptly dominated as SN’s Rookie of the Year.
Round 3: Lloyd Cushenberry, G/C, LSU
The Redskins lost left guard Ereck Flowers in free agency and Chase Rouiller has only one year left on his contract. Cushenberry (6-3, 212 pounds) is a powerful run-blocker who uses his hands and strong upper body well.
Round 4: Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Round 4: Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
Round 5: Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan
Round 7: Daniel Bituli, LB, Tennessee
Round 7: Michael Warren, RB, Cincinnati
Round 3: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Round 4: Trey Adams, OT, Washington
Round 4: Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Round 5: Michael Onwenu, OL, Michigan
Round 7: Joe Bachie, LB, Michigan State
Round 7: Jalen Elliott, S, Notre Dame
Pro Football Network(Driscoll)
If Tua Tagovailoa was healthy, he would go here; however, the Redskins will draft a player that many have dubbed as the best overall prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft. Chase Young will make an immediate impact and could become one of the league’s best defensive players in no time.
Round 3: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
Round 4: Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
Round 4: Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
Round 5: Nick Harris, OL, Washington
Round 7: Stephen Sullivan, TE, LSU
Round 7: Darius Anderson, RB, TCU
While it isn’t a listed need, all signs point to Washington selecting Young based on uncommon talent. Young won in every way imaginable at the college level. He seems to have a counter to the offensive tackle’s counter. Washington certainly invested plenty on the defensive side of the ball in recent years, but Young might be on another level. However, it’s not irrational for fans to wonder if it is the right selection. There’s a growing sentiment that coverage is more connected to winning football than pass rusher, so is Jeffrey Okudah the correct pick? Or is a trade down to select an offensive tackle the right move?
Round 3: OT Matt Peart, UConn
Trent Williams has made it clear he will not return to the team. Without a second-round pick, the Redskins might miss out on the top talents at the position. Luckily, Peart has starting upside. He is fluid and athletic enough to hold up on a pass rushing island and gives great effort in the running game.
Round 4: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Ron Rivera and Scott Turner seemed to gravitate to athletes at receiver in their final few years in Carolina. On Washington’s side, Terry McLaurin posted one of the best athletic profiles in last year’s class. Peoples-Jones’ profile projects in the 99th percentile and shouldn’t come at the cost of a top two round pick.
Round 4: Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
The Redskins lack a real receiving threat at tight end despite it being a mainstay of a Turner offense. Asiasi recorded 44 receptions last season, averaging over 14 yards per catch. All in a frame that can hold up inline.
Round 5: Cameron Clark, G, UNC Charlotte
Not only do the Redskins need at least one starter along the offensive line, but they also lack depth. Clark played left tackle but might learn to operate inside in order to fill the utility role on an NFL roster.
Round 7: Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane
It’s always a longshot for late round receivers to hit, but Mooney might be my favorite dart. He’s a legitimate vertical threat who frequently operates at a different speed than his opposition. Despite his smaller frame, Mooney was super competitive on contested catches.
Round 7: Jason Huntley, RB, New Mexico State
Washington could still be on the lookout for pass catchers out of the backfield despite signing J.D. McKissic. Huntley has nearly 40 catches to his name in each of the last three seasons.
I’ve had the Redskins trading down for the past several updates, but I’ve moved them back to the No. 2 overall pick in the wake of some news Charlie Campbell broke from the Combine. In a recent NFL Hot Press, Charlie wrote that the Redskins are unlikely to trade the No. 2 overall pick.
With that in mind, it’s obvious that the Redskins will select Chase Young. The dynamic edge rusher enjoyed a breakout season in the wake of Nick Bosa’s injury in 2018, and was very dominant this past year. He’s a very athletic edge player with great size (6-5, 265), and it will take a miracle for the Redskins to pass on him at No. 2 overall.
Round 3: Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
The Redskins need a tight end to replace Jordan Reed.
Level of competition is a question mark, but Adam Trautman has nice size (6-6, 251) and good hands. Some teams view him as the top tight end in this class.
Round 4: Reggie Robinson, CB, Tulsa
The Redskins will be keeping the No. 2 pick, which means Jeff Okudah is off the table. Here’s the cornerback Washington desperately needs.
Round 4: Michael Divinity, LB, LSU
I’d like to predict that the Redskins will spend at least one selection to help their poor linebacking corps.
Round 5: Trey Adams, OT, Washington
Trey Adams would be a first-round pick if he didn’t have health issues. He’s worth a gamble in Round 5, and the Redskins need to address their offensive line.
Round 7: Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota
I could see the Redskins adding multiple linebackers in the 2020 NFL Draft, given the weakness at the position.
Round 7: Devin Studstill, S, South Florida
The Redskins could stand to continue adding depth to their troubled secondary.
No surprise at No. 1 and no surprise at No. 2. Young has been the top player in the draft since the summer and nothing has changed. It is highly unlikely the Redskins will receive a lucrative enough trade offer to move away from this pick.
Round 3: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Round 4: Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan State
Round 4: Francis Bernard, LB, Utah
Round 5: Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
Round 7: David Woodward, LB, Utah State
Round 7: Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii
Last mock draft, I used this section to push back against the buzzy notion of the Redskins trading down for a handful of selections. Not because I don’t grasp the logic or am anti-fun*. Some other team must desire a prospect enough to justify trading the haul Washington demands if moving on from Young. Miami and its three first-round picks, including the fifth overall selection, make for the ideal partner with Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa the assumed bait. Too easy. Based on my sphere of league sources and other reports, pencil the Dolphins in for another QB, Oregon’s Justin Herbert. No trade likely required there, and no need to rehash every argument.
Round 3: Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Round 4: Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
Round 4: Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA
Round 5: J.R. Reed, S, Georgia
Round 7: David Woodward, ILB, Utah State
Round 7: Colton McKivitz, OT, West Virginia
Just like I did with the first-overall pick, I wanted to reminisce...back to simpler times...when the Redskins’ pick at second-overall was...well...exactly the same:
’If the Redskins do what they should and lose to the Cowboys on Sunday, locking up the second-overall pick (and likely EDGE Chase Young), there might be a real reason for a GM/Head Coach combo to be excited about coming to DC. That is, assuming Bruce Allen FINALLY gets a visit from The Turk.’
Don’t look now, but my analysis of both of the top picks almost six months ago seem to be bordering on clairvoyance. Not only did the Redskins secure the second-overall pick, but Bruce Allen was fired BEFORE he left the building after that Cowboys game. The second-overall pick also certainly had quite an influence in the wooing of much sought-after Head Coach Ron Rivera and DC Jack Del Rio. With Chase Young screaming off the EDGE on a defensive line stacked with former first-round picks, I’m sure those two new coaches are chomping at the bit to get to work.
Round 3: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Round 4: Jordyn Brooks, ILB, Texas Tech
Round 4: Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan
Round 5: Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
Round 7: Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
Round 7: Rodney Clemons, S, SMU
Like Burrow to Cincinnati, Young to Washington has been a constant in all iterations of this mock since the calendar turned to 2020. My top-ranked prospect in this year’s draft, Young matches elite physical traits with elite production. Closing out his true sophomore season with six sacks in the final four games, Young built upon his 2018 end-of-season momentum to set an Ohio State single-season record with an FBS-high 16.5 sacks in 2019.
Round 3: Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Round 4: Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic
Round 4: Reggie Robinson, CB, Tulsa
Round 5: A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
This is eerily similar to the Cardinals situation from last year, only Tagovailoa is better than Kyler Murray, and Dwayne Haskins is likely worse than Josh Rosen. You can’t pass up the chance to draft a franchise-changing quarterback.
Poll
What should the Redskins do with the #2 pick?
This poll is closed
-
28%
Trade down!
(317 votes) -
67%
Chase Young
(757 votes) -
4%
Tua Tagovailoa
(47 votes) -
0%
Draft someone else
(8 votes)