ROUND 1 (Pick 17):
Malik McDowell – DE, Michigan State
A Top 10 talent, McDowell was virtually unstoppable when he wanted to be at Michigan State. He will likely be available at 17 because of that “when he wanted” line. McDowell has undeniable talent and prototypical size (6’5, 295lbs) and athleticism. He split time with the Spartans primarily as their three tech but also played some one/zero tech in their 4-3. His best NFL projection is as a 3-4 DE which he has prototypical size. He lacks ideal size for a NT but his versatility would be welcome on a team devoid of defensive line talent. He has questions about his motor and apparently did not do so well at the combine during the interview phases of the process. Has similar physical traits and abilities of Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, but may not share their football character. McDowell lacked production along the interior and could benefit from a move to a defensive end spot in a 4-3 or 3-4 front. McDowell is raw, but when he flashes, it can be blinding. McDowell is an explosive, ascending prospect with All-Pro potential if he grows into his body and takes the necessary coaching.
How he fits: Major upgrade on the defensive live as a three down defensive lineman who can beat double teams and crash the pocket from the inside. A clear talent at a need position, McDowell has been a player draftniks have mocked to the Redskins since the start of the draft process. Jonathan Allen would be ideal; his stock may have been hurt by shoulder injuries, which could cause him to fall.
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State/Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Is it cheating to list both of these guys as one player? Maybe. Maybe you should STFU. This is an either or option for the Redskins. While Dalvin Cook has taken a hit in recent weeks since underperforming at the combine, he’s still considered a special back. He’s had a lot of off field issues in the past which is also hurting his draft stock in this well stocked draft class. Still, his college production is hard to ignore. He ran for 1765 yards as a junior, scoring 19 times as a rusher while earning first team All-American honors. He’s at his best running wide while setting up lead blockers utilizing an array of moves to get past hard charging linebackers and safeties. His past issues with fumbles and off field issues are a major concern as is inside running ability. He may like to bounce outside too often.
McCaffrey is a similar player to Cook minus the on and off field issues that plague Cook. An amazing athlete with amazing hands, McCaffrey could line up all over the field. A consensus All American and Heisman finalist, McCaffrey was the only FBS player to lead his team in rushing and receiving yards. In 2015, he set the NCAA record with 3,864 all-purpose yards, ranking second in the FBS with 2019 rushing yards, 645 receiving yards and another 1070 yards from returns. Clearly, he is an offensive weapon Jay Gruden would love to use as a chess piece to create more mismatches in his offense. However, is he an every down back? Can he run inside in the NFL? Would he be better suited as a slot receiver or simply a third down back? If the Redskins see him as an every down running back, he has the production in college to wow Bruce Allen.
How they fit: Some may argue that Running Back is not a position the Redskins need, or should certainly not address in the first round. With Fat Rob, Chris Thompson and Matt Jones on the roster, the Redskins were able to rush for over 1500 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. Moreover, does the head coach utilize running backs enough to warrant a first round pick, especially considering the depth in the draft? Well, while Gruden loves him some Rob Kelley, he has said these two backs are special. The Redskins need a more dynamic running back. The draw back with either of these guys are their similarities with Chris Thompson out of the backfield and Jamison Crowder in the slot. With so many defensive needs, can the Redskins justify taking a Cook or McCaffrey? There are talks of playing Crowder more on the outside this year, which would open up the possibility for a player like McCaffrey to slide in and add another dynamic presence to the offense. Neither Cook nor McCaffrey are prototypical inside runners the way a Leonard Fournette or other running backs in the draft are. Moreover, that is the running back the Skins really need, a dynamic inside power runner. Neither of these guys are that which is why the likelihood of the Skins taking either Cook or McCaffrey seems lower to me than it does to national draftniks. I think the Skins would benefit more by taking a “bigger” back to replace Rob Kelley. Of the first round running backs, Leonard Fournette may be a better fit considering Jay’s penchant for calling power runs coupled with their current personnel.
Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
Explosive, quick twitch athlete, dynamic in space, has traits to be legit cover linebacker in addition to pass rush skills. A former HS running back and safety, he came to college as a defensive back giving him experience in all three levels of a defense. Haason finished third in the nation with 22.5 tackles for loss and excelled as a pass rusher with 10.5 sacks in 2016. Injuries in his final two years of HS forced him to walk on at Temple where his explosive athletic traits allowed him to blossom as one of the top playmakers in the nation. He showed natural instincts to play inside linebacker at the Senior Bowl but will need some time to grow into that position full time. He compares favorably to Steelers ILB Ryan Shazier.
How he fits: Paired with Zach Brown, Haason would complete an overhaul at inside linebacker upgrading the instincts and speed at the position. He may even be considered an upgrade over Preston Smith while rushing the passer on third downs, allowing Su’a Cravens to roll back to nickel Mike in passing situations. Reuben Foster and Zach Cunningham are also possibilities.
Kevin King, CB, Washington
Surprise! A 6’3 200lb Corner? Yes please. Actually started his career as a safety for the Huskies before moving to corner full time. He is Mayock’s third rated corner and if Mayock has one specialty, it’s defensive backs. Some say he should transition back to Safety in the NFL as he’s played all four spots in the secondary plus slot. King excels on defending routes outside of the numbers. He limits the catch window and has a knack for guiding receivers to the boundary. His length creates significant challenges for receivers used to winning the high point and he has natural ball skills and hands capable of making the circus interception. He’s not the fastest corner in the draft and paired with Josh Norman, would make the Skins lack of speed in the secondary apparent. Nevertheless, he only allowed 1 touchdown on 101 targets and has the aggressiveness to fend off blockers and make plays in the run game.
How he fits: Possible candidate to play safety for the Redskins as some scouts feel he’d be better suited. Big bodied corner with natural ball skills, would add needed size to the Redskins secondary and give them better depth overall. As a corner, would line up exclusively on the outside as his big frame and lack of top speed may make him vulnerable to quicker, shiftier slot receivers. The NFC East isn’t slowing down, the offenses in the division have improved. The Redskins defense was a shit show last year on third downs meaning that even if you think corner is not a need position, the stats say otherwise. The Redskins spent a lot of time with Marshon Lattimore at the combine. If he or Marlon Humphrey are there, don’t be surprised if the Redskins select a first round cornerback.
Forrest Lamp, G/C, Western Kentucky
Offensive Tackle in college that would make transition inside in NFL due to his lack of length, similar to Zack Martin and Brandon Scherff. Has ability to also play center. Has a compact build but is athletic (designed Tackle Screen plays called in college for him in which he scored TDs). All Conference USA Tackle that started every game and was rated third team All American. Has nimble feet and works them and his hips into position before engaging defender. Uses short controlled punch blocks in the run game. Rarely bull-rushed and is able to quickly process stunts and games played by defensive front. “He’s the real deal. If he can snap, you could get away with playing him all up and down the line. Great feet, strong, smart.” — AFC executive
How he fits: Sullivan and Kory are gone. Spencer Long is the only center on the roster worth writing home about. The offensive line has struggled at left guard and center while the rest of the line is set for the next decade. Adding Forrest Lamp to play either center or guard would solidify the line and rival Dallas.
Wishful Thinking: If any of these players fall to 17 or even get close to 17, the Redskins would run to the podium or could even attempt to trade up a few spots for: Reuben Foster, Jonathan Allen, Solomon Thomas, Malik Hooker, Jamal Adams, Marshon Lattimore.
Some First Round “reaches”: Budda Baker, Jarred Davis, Zach Cunningham could all be considered at 17 depending on how the draft unfolds, they could also be available in the second. I personally think the Skins should trade back if any of these are targets in the first.
Just say no: Jabril Peppers – He makes little sense for the Skins at 17 since the need is not there at all with Su’a Cravens on the roster. No safety should be drafted that can’t play center high primarily.
ROUND 2 (Pick 49):
Marcus Maye, S, Florida
Interchangeable safety with the instincts of a free safety and the physicality of a box player. Thrives as a downhill player and has the instincts and speed to operate effectively from both single-high and two-deep looks. Has the physical attributes and intelligence to step into a starter’s role early on and will be a strong contributor on special teams. First team All American Safety in 2015, Maye has a readymade safety frame with long arms. Able to read QBs eyes while staying stuck to defender though has had issues staying with the ball and defender while the ball is in the air. Credited with a pass breakup or INT on 21% of his targets. Rangy tackler with in-play endurance for extended chases across field. Physical. Trustworthy as last line of defense (something that Connecticut Safety can’t say). Though he is praised for his instincts, was credited for 10 TDs during career at Florida.
How he fits: Aside from the defensive line, safety is the biggest position of need for the Redskins even with DJ Swearinger and Su’a Cravens penciled in as starters. Getting a safety that can play single high and be the team’s center fielder must be a priority. Maye fits the bill and his secondary coach at Florida is now in Ashburn. Keep an eye out for any of the Gators impressive secondary prospects and toss in LB Jared Davis for good measure.
Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida
Likely best suited as a 3 tech in a 4-3, Caleb has first round talent. His combine interviews didn’t do him a lot of favors and many 3-4 scouts aren’t sure he’s a fit for that defense. Never the less, you can’t deny his talent and he fits a dire need for the Redskins. He’s big, strong and has some serious quickness to his game. He made 31 tackles, 9.5 for loss and had 2.5 sacks in 2016. He has tremendous play strength and plays with a passion. If he can time snaps, it’s over. He has the quickness and strength to get into gaps and disrupt. Able to fend off blockers while working towards the playside. Efficient without wasted movement and considers one on one blocks a sign of disrespect. He’s not the pass rusher you want, but is a powerful stout defender with the quickness to play three tech and the power to play nose. Compares to Aaron Donald.
How he fits: One of the Redskins biggest priorities in the 2017 draft is to find a starting nose tackle. Ideally, you’d like a big bodied space eater that can demand double teams up front in base packages but can stay on to collapse the pocket on passing downs. Brantley fits that mold. If he’s not the pick in round 2, there will be plenty of nose tackle candidates to pick from in rounds 3 and 4 where the Redskins have 3 combined picks. Jarron Jones, Montravius Adams, Dalvin Thompson, Jaleel Johnson, Carlos Watkins, Elijah Qualls, Vincent Taylor and Eddie Vanderdoes to name a few.
Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Charlotte
6’3, 305lb DT/DE first team All Conference USA. Watching Ogunjobi play is like watching a more raw version of Sheldon Rankins and with a little less efficiency of movement. Like Rankins, Ogunjabi uses leverage, quickness, and strong hands to counter his average size. Size and below-average length will work against him for some teams, but others who covet disruptive defensive tackles who can play in the backfield and generate some pressure will be studying him closely. Has starting NFL potential. Mayock’s forth ranked interior DL player, Ogunjobi would replace Chris Baker as a DE that can generate inside pass rush.
How he fits: Mayock’s forth ranked interior DL player, Ogunjobi would replace Chris Baker as a DE that can generate inside pass rush and stay on the field for all three downs. He would not be an ideal nose tackle but as I said above, there are plenty of those to be had in the 3rd and 4th rounds. He would provide a solid linemen that could generate the interior pass rush the Skins desperately need.
Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
If McCaffrey and Cook aren’t your cup of tea for whatever reason, meet Joe Mixon. He’s arguably the most gifted back in this loaded running back draft class. Why is he available then? He Ray Riced a female student at Oklahoma in 2014 which was caught on tape. Can the Redskins, with all of their other negative distractions, handle one more? By all accounts, the young man has recovered from the mistake he made at 18 and many NFL teams believe he deserves a second chance. Will it be in Washington? It’s likely doubtful since Bruce Allen likes senior captains that produce on a national level. His character concerns may push him off the Skins draft board. If he has been taken off the draft board, look at Alvin Kamara out of Tennessee, he too would be a dynamic three down back the Skins could draft in the second.
How he fits: Jay Gruden loves Rob Kelley. However, the Redskins offense needs a more dynamic threat out of the backfield. Joe Mixon is arguably the most talented running back in the draft and if he’s there in the second, teams that have not removed him from the draft board will strongly consider him. He won’t make it out of the round. If the Skins decide to pass on Running Back until the later rounds, keep an eye out for D’onte Foreman from Texas and Mixon’s teammate Samaje Perine out of Oklahoma for other potential day 2 picks. I particularly like James Connor out of Pittsburgh on day three.
Marcus Williams, S, Utah
Ball-hawking free safety who has outstanding ball skills and has shown a propensity for causing turnovers. He can play from a high centerfield spot and utilizes his instincts to swoop down and challenge throws. He’s able to get running backs down, but he’s not physical enough to be a combination safety. NFL teams love defensive backs with athletic traits, instincts and ball skills. If he works out well before the draft, he should move up team boards. In 2015, he started every game, garnering first-team all-conference (66 tackles, five INT, five pass breakups), and academic all-conference honors (4.0 high school GPA). Williams missed time in 2016 with an injury but still was named second-team All-Pac-12 with 64 tackles, five interceptions and three pass breakups. On the rare occasion he was asked to play man coverage, Williams mirrors the receiver well and doesn’t give the quarterback a large window in which to place the football.Williams tracks the ball well when it is in the air and possesses solid ball skills to intercept or breakup the pass. Against the run, Williams displays solid competitive toughness as he aggressively attacks the play. He goes from high to low quickly and fights off would-be blockers. He’s a solid tackler who does a good job of wrapping up the ball carrier to secure the tackle.
How he fits: After Malik Hooker, Williams is the second best true center field free safety in this draft class. Paring him with DJ Swearinger and Su’A Cravens, he’d be the true free safety the Redskins have wanted since the passing of Sean Taylor, 10 years ago.
