The 2016 Draft has a ton of depth, offering potentially high-quality players well into the 7th round. Though not as star-studded in the 1st round, this years draft will be one we remember for it's contribution to the NFL.
Most fans and folks around the NFL see the Redskins headed in a positive direction. Some of the credit has to go to the Redskins front office.
The acquisition of Scott McCloughan lead to one of the best top 3 draft classes the Redskins have seen in long time (maybe ever...we will let them play a few more years before making that "best ever" call)...
Scherff, Smith and Jones all contributed their rookie year. Scherff started every game, Smith played in every game and Jones showed enough promise for coaches to feel comfortable with letting Alfred Morris walk, leaving Jones as the starting ball carrier.
Many times, Scott McCloughan has suggested that his focus, when building our franchise's future, is the draft. He has also mentioned many times that he does not draft specifically on need and prefers more of a "Best Player Available" approach...a philosophy that likely gave us Preston Smith and Matt Jones. I would expect more of the same winning approach this year, and I tried to reflect just that in the draft. Even still, different teams value different attributes, so there may still be a few "head scratchers" from the 3 round and beyond...again, a lot like Preston Smith and Matt Jones were...so, lets got on to the Mock Draft...
...and with the 21st pick of the 2016 NFL Draft...
...the Washington Redskins select...
A'Shawn Robinson - DT - Alabama
Robinson could be the top player on the Redskins board at pick #21, and if so, is just the kind of player you want when you have a need for a quality interior lineman. Robinson also has a huge upside, as in he is only 20 years old, despite having the frame, leadership qualities, and "I will kill you" gazing stare of a seasoned NFL defensive lineman. The Redskins struggled against the run last season and that we still evident during the playoff loss to Green Bay. Robinson has all the desired attributes of a quality two-gap DT and could step right in and improve the Redskins run defense. Robinson could also prove to be a disruptive force on passing downs in Coach Barry's 3-4 defense. Robinson is exactly what the Redskins need on the interior of their defensive line. Robinson is my favorite for pick 21.
...and with the 53rd pick of the 2016 NFL Draft...
...the Washington Redskins select...
Jeremy Cash - SS - Duke
Cash is maybe the best defensive prospect to ever come out of Duke. Some experts even think he could go in the 1st round (and maybe even to the Redskins there), but I think Vonn Bell will be the first SS taken and, despite his talent, I expect Cash to slide to the late 2nd round, and if so, there is no way "on God's green earth" that McCloughan passes on him. Cash is a big, physical DB/SS. Much like Kyshoen Jarrett, Cash can line up as a Nickle DB or SS, close to the line of scrimmage, or drop back in coverage...he does either very well, but excels versus the run. Proven, solid tackler with good speed, range and size. He was highly recruited out of high school by Ohio State, starting as a true freshman, but later transferred to Duke. Cash could prove to to be a day 1 starter for the Redskins, especially in sub-package formations, and give them some much needed insurance in the secondary. I would rush out and buy this guys jersey right away if the Redskins draft him...he is seriously a great fit for our defense. Cash is my favorite for pick 53.
...and with the 84th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft...
...the Washington Redskins select...
Morgan Burns - DB/Return Specialist - Kansas State
I feel like drafting Burns in the 3rd is a bit of a reach, but Burns may be the best return guy in this years draft. He may also be the fastest guy in the draft (on film, at least) and ran a 4.38 40yd dash at his Pro-Day. Teams covet speed, athleticism, and ability to contribute on Special Teams...and Burns has all three of those attributes. His background in Track and Field has served him well, but he has more than just straight-line speed. Burns can be shifty and that helped he become the All Time leading return guy in Kansas State school history. Besides his return skills, he was very disruptive on the punt-block team. He can make an instant impact in the Redskins return game and and special teams while also serving as our 5th DB. Burns is my favorite for pick 84.
...and with the 120th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft...
...the Washington Redskins select...
Tyler Matakevich, ILB - Temple
Matakevich makes plays, but, there is more to this guy. As Temple's All Time Leading Tackler, Matakevich played every snap with 110% heart without making rush decisions...he just makes lots of plays. Matakevich is smart and thrives in a read-react role. He needs to get stronger at the NFL level and sure up his tackling, but as far as play diagnosis, heart, and leadership, you will not find a better player with those qualities in the 4th round. Matakevich loves diagnosing film and preparing for opponents. He just has a knack for getting the guys around him pumped up, too. Matakevich stands out on tape and always seems to be around the ball. If still on the board at 120, the Redskins would be lucky and happy to select him. Matakevich is my favorite at pick 120.
...and with the 158th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft...
...the Washington Redskins select...
Shawn Oakman - DE - Baylor
I changed up this pick from my earlier draft primer pick (Tyvis Powell) because of the need for depth at DE, the earlier projected pick of Cash, and hopes that our starting FS will emerge from our current roster. Plus...has you seen Oakman? Physically, Oakman has amazing gifts... 6'9", 287 lbs, runs a 4.84 40yd dash...there are not many players (if any) with his build and athletic ability. Problem with Oakman is that he is an underachiever, who never really seem to be near as dominate as his physique would suggest. That said, he did make plays and could be hoarding a wealth of potential. Oakman is raw and may just need some great coaching to tap into his gifts. He needs to build up some lower body strength to have longevity in the NFL, but no one can question his upper-body and hand strength. I think it would cool to see him playing OLB in a 3-4, but he will likely be used more as a DE where-ever he is drafted. I find it hard to believe McCloughan would pass up on a chance to acquire such a massive prospect if he is still available in the 5th round.
...and with the 188th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft...
...the Washington Redskins select...
I changed up this pick from my earlier draft primer pick (Tyvis Powell) because of the need for depth at DE, the earlier projected pick of Cash, and hopes that our starting FS will emerge from our current roster. Plus...has you seen Oakman? Physically, Oakman has amazing gifts... 6'9", 287 lbs, runs a 4.84 40yd dash...there are not many players (if any) with his build and athletic ability. Problem with Oakman is that he is an underachiever, who never really seem to be near as dominate as his physique would suggest. That said, he did make plays and could be hoarding a wealth of potential. Oakman is raw and may just need some great coaching to tap into his gifts. He needs to build up some lower body strength to have longevity in the NFL, but no one can question his upper-body and hand strength. I think it would cool to see him playing OLB in a 3-4, but he will likely be used more as a DE where-ever he is drafted. I find it hard to believe McCloughan would pass up on a chance to acquire such a massive prospect if he is still available in the 5th round.
...and with the 188th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft...
...the Washington Redskins select...
Wendall Smallwood - RB - West Virginia
Smallwood has proven to be a very dynamic player for West Virginia. He is quick, strong, and does a great job of getting those extra yards. Smallwood is a smart runner and diagnoses his lanes and cuts very well, which helped him become the Big 12's leading rusher in 2015. Smallwood also catches the ball well, out of the backfield, and has held his own when asked to block. Smallwood uses his blocking well but is not known for breaking many tackles. Smallwood needs to get stronger at the pro level, especially in the lower body if he wants to hold up through an NFL season. After some off-field issues, his stock took a hit, but with that clear now, NFL teams are taking flyers. This draft is full of talent at RB, and for that reason, I could see Smallwood on the board at pick 188, and if so, would likely be the top of the Redskins board. The Redskins need another talented back in the stable...if there at 188, the Redskins should take him. Some have argued that C. J. Procise has more upside, if available in the later rounds...and that might be the case, but if you want a contributor on offense from day one who can do all the little things well, Smallwood is the guy. Smallwood is my favorite for pick 188.
Smallwood has proven to be a very dynamic player for West Virginia. He is quick, strong, and does a great job of getting those extra yards. Smallwood is a smart runner and diagnoses his lanes and cuts very well, which helped him become the Big 12's leading rusher in 2015. Smallwood also catches the ball well, out of the backfield, and has held his own when asked to block. Smallwood uses his blocking well but is not known for breaking many tackles. Smallwood needs to get stronger at the pro level, especially in the lower body if he wants to hold up through an NFL season. After some off-field issues, his stock took a hit, but with that clear now, NFL teams are taking flyers. This draft is full of talent at RB, and for that reason, I could see Smallwood on the board at pick 188, and if so, would likely be the top of the Redskins board. The Redskins need another talented back in the stable...if there at 188, the Redskins should take him. Some have argued that C. J. Procise has more upside, if available in the later rounds...and that might be the case, but if you want a contributor on offense from day one who can do all the little things well, Smallwood is the guy. Smallwood is my favorite for pick 188.
Jeff Driskel - QB - Louisiana Tech
Driskel was highly recruited out of high school, but has struggled to improve at his craft at the college level. He did fair better after he transferred to Louisiana Tech from Florida. Driskel has a strong arm, good footwork, and decent short and intermediate accuracy but does not throw a great deep ball. Driskel does have a quick release with pop. Driskel's slow development is likely the only reason he may slide to the 7th round. The Redskins, in need for a developmental QB, may just pull the trigger on this signal-caller. The Redskins have the coaching in place and the time needed to develop Driskel's talent. Driskel is my favorite for pick 233.
Driskel was highly recruited out of high school, but has struggled to improve at his craft at the college level. He did fair better after he transferred to Louisiana Tech from Florida. Driskel has a strong arm, good footwork, and decent short and intermediate accuracy but does not throw a great deep ball. Driskel does have a quick release with pop. Driskel's slow development is likely the only reason he may slide to the 7th round. The Redskins, in need for a developmental QB, may just pull the trigger on this signal-caller. The Redskins have the coaching in place and the time needed to develop Driskel's talent. Driskel is my favorite for pick 233.
A keen eye would realize that, no, I did not address Guard or Center directly...and either position could be a target in the draft, but I feel like there will be a number skill players on the board that could let some decent C and G prospects to go undrafted. Martin seems to be the only highly rated center in the draft and I doubt the Redskins are willing to cough up a 1st round pick for him and I doubt he is still on the board at 53. My guess is the Redskins will focusing on the best undrafted free-agent Guards and Centers.
I would love to know what McCloughan is thinking...
...but I have learned, like many fans, that he can be trusted to make the decisions that help our franchised grow into a Championship contender.
For a more in-depth look at potential picks, check out my other posts...
Hail to the Redskins!
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