The draft is the most important moment in the off-season schedule. One poor draft could haunt a franchise for years. If you look at the teams who have found success in the past 20 years, almost all of them built their teams through the draft, with little major impact from free agency. Though this is perhaps not the most star-studded draft class, it is a deep draft, meaning there will be decent players to be had late into the draft.
Current Draft Picks
2nd Round - Pick 2 (#34)
3rd Round - Pick 2 (#66)
4th Round - Pick 2 (#102)
5th Round - Pick 2 (#142)
6th Round - Pick 2 (#178)
7th Round - Pick 2 (#217)
Team Needs
Offensive Line
Tight End
Inside Linebacker
Free/Strong Safety
Cornerback
If you are looking for a solid Redskins Mock Draft to check out, look no further...
http://profootballspot.com/_/nfl/nfc-east/washington-redskins/redskins-mock-draft-20-r2357
One of the things my previous Mock Draft did not include was the possibility of trades.
I think a trade during the draft is highly likely, even if it is just a swapping of picks, but only if there is value...like a move back in the 2nd or 3rd round to pick up more selections. There are also a few players that could be involved in a draft-day trade.
Potential Players To Trade
Kirk Cousins, QB
Leonard Hankerson, WR
Aldrick Robinson, WR
From the moment he was drafted, Kirk Cousins has been on the theoretic trading block, despite the need for a reliable back-up to RGIII. The signing of Colt McCoy does seem to signify that if a reasonable offer was made, ideally for the Redskins to add more draft picks, they would have enough depth to at least entertain the offer. I still doubt Cousins get's traded, but in the NFL, you never know.
Leonard Hankerson has yet to live up to expectations, but did have some flashes of talent last year. Most agree he has all the physical skills to perform, but needs to capitalize on each catch and earn his role in this offense. Because of the signing on two expected starters, though, that may prove difficult. If a trade partner emerges on draft day, watch out.
Aldrick Robinson was expected, and may still, have more impact in the Redskins offense in 2014, but the signing of DeSean Jackson does make the speedster expendable. Since the Redskins still could use a big WR target, and thus would have to have roster room for such a player, for the right price, they might deal. My guess is the Brown's might have interest.
Other, Less Likely Players To Trade:
Josh LeRibeus
Brian Orakpo
Santana Moss
To say Josh LeRibeus has been a disappointment is an understatement. Drafted along side now Pro-Bowl caliber players, LeRibeus came out his rookie year to contribute in just five games. Unfortunately for the offensive-line-needy Redskins, he did not show up in shape for the 2013 campaign, thus, was inactive for all 16 games last year. The new staff gives him the chance to show up ready to compete this year, something he is reported to be doing this season. I think it is highly unlikely that he has any trade value, but if a deal presented itself, say for even a 7th round draft pick, I am sure the Redskins would trade him and move on. There is a chance that later in the preseason, he could be swapped for another struggling offensive linemen, but again, it is a long-shot.
The idea of Brian Orakpo being traded makes me sick to my stomach, but with the long-term contract negotiations on hold, the application of the Franchise Tag, and his delay in signing the Franchise Tag initially, I suppose it is a remote possibility they would consider a 1st or 2nd round draft pick in exchange for Rak...but only if the price is right and only if there is a player on the draft board that is worthwhile...this is all very, very unlikely but does deserve mentioning.
Santana Moss is still playing at a very high level...at the same time, this could be one, if not the last, year he plays. A team looking for a solid veteran could see value in him, though...you just never know in the NFL...again, the Browns could have interest.
Hail to the Redskins!
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