Washington Redskins 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Trent Murphy, OLB, Stanford
6’5″, 250 lbs
The Player
Trent Murphy is a well built defender with great length and functional strength. He is a relentless defender and possesses solid athletic ability. That being said, he is not overly explosive and is very stiff, but there is certainly a place for his size and motor in the NFL.
The Pick
The Redskins traded back to acquire this pick but it is still a reach. Murphy, while a solid player, is a big reach this early in the draft, especially when the Redskins had shots at Jeremiah Attoachu, Demarcus Lawrence and Kony Ealy.
The Fit
With Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan on the roster, Murphy at the very most ends up as third on the depth chart and realistically is fourth. He will rotate behind the other pass rushers and if Orakpo doesn’t re-sign in the year, Murphy could potentially fill in.
Morgan Moses, OT, UVA
6’6″, 314 lbs
The Player
Morgan is a mountain of a man with long arms and incredibly strong, heavy hands. He has middling athletic ability both down hill and laterally, but when he gets his hands on, and often he will, the defender stays blocked.
The Pick
This was very good value for the Redskins. This is a guy I had in my 40 who fell to them in the third round.
The Fit
Tyler Polumbus can be upgraded and I think Moses could win that starting job in training camp. Moses is too talented not to.
Nov 2, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) is blocked by Virginia Cavaliers offensive tackle Morgan Moses (78) at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Spencer Long, Guard, Nebraska
6’5″, 320 lbs
The Player
Long is a big bodied guard who relentlessly blocks people and has decent agility. He is not overly strong or quick, but is a high effort blocker. There is a significant injury concern.
The Pick
With the injury concern, this seems like a risky pick, but Long can be a solid player when healthy and the team obviously wants to protect RGIII
The Fit
The offseason addition of Shawn Lavauo should not hold Long back from competing for the starting job. If he is healthy, Long could have a great chance of opening as the starter.
Bashaud Breeland, CB, Clemson
5’11”, 197 lbs
The Player
Breeland is a very physical corner with with good strength and long arms. He is a willing tackler and can play the ball in the air. He is a bit slow and needs to hone his aggression, but he has some intriguing tools that could help him succeed in the NFL.
The Pick
They got very good value for Breeland as I had him pegged as a mid to late third rounder, but looking at who was available, choosing him over a guy like Pierre Desir may have been a mistake.
The Fit
The cornerback talent on the Redskins is pretty awful. I think Breeland has a decent shot, even as a fourth rounder, to make his way into the starting lineup this season. He will excel on the outside if he is allowed to press at the line.
Nov 13, 2010; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Emory Blake (80) makes a catch while being defended by Clemson Tigers cornerback Bashaud Breeland (right) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. Clemson defeated Auburn 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Grant, WR, Tulane
6′, 199 lbs
The Player
Grant is a picture of reliability. He may not be overly fast, big or strong, but he is a very savvy football player. He runs very good routs, has a very dependable pair of hands and is willing to make a tough grab over the middle.
The Pick
This is a bit of a reach, but I think that Grant can be an immediate contributor in the slot, even if the Redskins did pass over Michael Campanaro.
The Fit
Grant is dependable pass catcher and those guys will see the field early and often. Grant will likely be the fourth or fifth receiver on the roster, but he seems like the kind of player who will get more and more snaps as the season goes on. With two lightening rod players like Desean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, it is good to have a guy who can work underneath and move the chains.
Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor
5’9″, 201 lbs.
The Player
Seastrunk is an incredibly shifty back who also displays great power and long speed. He is a home run hitter type of running back where he is either get a 60 yard gain or a 5 yard loss. His vision is a pretty significant issue and his unpredictable running style, though it is hard to defend, is also hard to block for. Not only is he raw as a runner, he has little experience as a receiver and a pass blocker.
The Pick
For a player of Seastrunk’s raw talents, this is very good value because his overall risk is mitigated by it being such a low pick. This could be a steal if the team can help Seastrunk progress.
The Fit
With Alfred Morris as the incumbent running back, Seastrunk has a shot to be the change of pace guy. Gruden likes to spread carries around and Seastrunk could see early action and if he develops properly, the load could increase as the season goes on.
Nov 7, 2013; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears running back Lache Seastrunk (25) runs with the ball against the Oklahoma Sooners at Floyd Casey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Ted Bolser, TE, Indiana
6’5″, 257 lbs.
The Player
Bolser is a strong receiver with good size and solid hands. Not very athletic and isn’t a very good blocker.
The Pick
In the late rounds, it is a team’s opportunity to take shots on potential high upside guys. I am sure that was the thinking here.
The Fit
Bolser is not a good blocker and is best as a mismatch type in the slot. With Jordan Reed there, I can only see Bolser coming in the red zone. Most likely he is going to end up on special teams or cut.
Zach Hocker, K, Arkansas
6′, 189 lbs.
The Player
He is a kicker. Not an overly strong leg but accurate.
The Pick
He’s a kicker. Not sure I’d draft and specialists.
The Fit
Could compete for starting job for teams will always look to get cheaper with specialists.