The 2019 NFL draft will offer the Washington Redskins an opportunity to select a quarterback in the first round, but is that the right direction for the franchise to go in this year?
The Washington Redskins are entering the 2019 NFL draft in a position they never could’ve imagined. Starting quarterback Alex Smith suffered a devastating leg injury last November and is certain to miss the upcoming season. In fact, he may never play again.
As a result, Washington will be forced to at least consider selecting a quarterback in the first round, especially if a prospect like Dwayne Haskins suffers a draft-day fall and is still on the board at No. 15 overall.
That said, the Redskins safeguarded against making a panic-pick by trading for veteran Case Keenum, who’s at least capable of keeping games close in 2019 and maybe even 2020. Regardless, Washington has to find it’s QB-next at some point in this or next year’s draft.
If they opt to go in another direction in the first round, there will be an abundance of talent available when they pick. Whether they decide to go edge rusher to replace the Preston Smith or want to add a playmaking wide receiver, they’ll have several appealing options to choose from.
The easy and safe pick to send to Washington is, in fact, a quarterback. But if all of the quarterback-needy teams in front of them choose one (Cardinals, Giants, Broncos, Bengals), there won’t be any to select.
This mock draft is being done with the assumption all of the quarterbacks are off the board. I’m not sold the Redskins will draft one anyway, so let’s eliminate that possibility altogether.
Here’s what a three-round draft haul could look like for Washington by the end of Day 2.