Congrats to the NY Giants as the newest Super Bowl Champions (as a Redskins fanthat wasn’t easy to say). Our full draft order is almost complete; we are just awaiting two coin flips. Both of these will take place at the NFL combine on February 23rd. Last week, I examined the Buccaneers, which means its time to look at the Washington Redskins. Keep an eye out for your favorite team and feel free to leave comments below.
The Buccaneers and the Redskins two of the most likely teams to jump far outside the top ten for next year’s draft. Both are just a few players away from seeing a dramatically different record. With the Redskins, it might even be as simple as one player, the quarterback. It is no surprise that the John Beck and Rex Grossman experiment did not work out. Beck holds on to the ball too long, and Grossman is a lock for at least two interceptions per game. That makes quarterback the Redskins number one priority going into the draft.
Robert Griffin III (Trade up)
We all know how electrifying RG3 is, and I’m sure the Redskins are reviewing every possible method of drafting this year’s Heisman trophy winner. At this point, I do not see anyway RG3 last to the number six position, so the Skins must trade up. The good news is, that the Redskins are not afraid to part with picks or cash for a player they desire (I won’t go into the terrible list of past mistakes). The bad news is, the Redskins might make a move for their quarterback before the draft arrives. This offseason is shaping up to have two starting caliber quarterbacks available for bidding. This is a rarity in the football world, especially when one of those quarterbacks is Peyton Manning. Manning has not been released yet, but many expect it to come soon. With the ability to get a quarterback, and hold on to the sixth overall pick, the Redskins might fall in love with Manning or Matt Flynn. As a fan, I am praying the Skins resist their impulses and trade up for RG3, who I believe could lead this team for the next 7-10 years.
Ryan Tannehill (Trade back)
Tannehill is the third most impressive quarterback in this draft behind Luck and Griffin. However, he still has plenty of development to go through. Tannehill started a majority of his college career at WR before being asked to start as the quarterback for the last 20 games. Tannehill has great size at 6’4, and has quickly developed into a player, scouts are loving. The biggest downside so far has been Tannehill’s recent injury, which prevented him from playing in the Senior Bowl (coached by the Redskins). If they are unable to get RG3, I see the Skins looking for a way to get Tannehill, but number 6 is too high. I see them trying to trade back and accumulate a few extra picks. The wildcard in this scenario are three teams sitting close behind the Redskins that might draft Tannehill (Dolphins, Bills Seahawks). If these three teams are still looking a quarterback at the end of April, the Redskins may be forced to pull the trigger early on Tannehill.
Jonathan Martin/Riley Reiff
The Redskins offensive line struggled last year with injuries, and Jamaal Brown’s contract is out of guaranteed money. In an effort to resign other notable free agents (London Fletcher, Laron Landry, etc.), do not be surprised if the Redskins cut Brown. This would leave a whole at right tackle, and the Skins also need insurance for Trent Williams (received suspension for drug use last year). Reiff appears to be the more dominant tackle, especially in the run game. However, do not be surprised if the Redskins go with Martin as they have struggled with pass protection, and will have someone new at quarterback this year.
I am aware that many sites have listed the Redskins as taking either Justin Blackmon or Morris Claiborne with their first round pick. While both are great players who would help the Redskins tremendously, I do not see either happening. Blackmon is this year’s top receiver but the Redskins invested in several receivers last year and I doubt they are looking to use such an elite pick on the receiver position. With Claiborne, I frankly expect him to be drafted in the top five. The Rams, Vikings, and Bucs all have major wholes in their secondary, and Claiborne has shutdown corner ability. Next week, I will look at the Jacksonville Jaguars.