Maybe even before the draft, I would expect the Redskins to make some deals (likely moving back in the earlier rounds) to acquire additional picks in this years draft. To try to cover all the possibilities, we will take a look at a number of prospects for each round.
4 - #121
Tyler Matakevick, ILB - Temple - Matakevick makes plays, but, there is more to this guy. Matakevick plays with 110% heart 110% of the time without making rush decisions...he just makes lots of plays. 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. Matakevick loves diagnosing film and preparing for opponents. He just has a knack for getting the guys around him pumped up, too. If still on the board at 120, the Redskins would be lucky and happy to select him. Matakevick is clearly my favorite at pick 120.
Kevin Hogan - QB - Stanford - The Redskins will want to keep 3 QBs on the roster this year. Though Cousins is their preferred starter moving forward, they have yet to get him re-signed to a long-term deal. If Hogan is on the board at pick 120, it will be very hard for the Redskins to pass up on an opportunity of drafting Hogan to develop. Hogan has proven to have strong leadership qualities, decent arm talent and a history of winning games. Following Andrew Luck is a tough job to undertake and Hogan did so with a lot of success. His technique and footwork needs work, but given the Redskins have a group of fantastic QB coaches, taking Hogan would make sense for a lot of reasons...besides he could end up being that "best player on the board" for the Redskins when they pick at 120.
Hassan Ridgeway - DT - Texas - Ridgeway is a very talented interior defensive lineman but his work ethic has come into question. If properly motivated, conditioned, and coached, Ridgeway still has room to grow and improve his skill-set and could be a very good defensive lineman in the NFL. He uses his strength and size well, has good hands, and even some twitchy moves that have helped him be very disruptive as a pass-rusher. Against the run, he holds his own but certainly could improve. He needs to stay fit and healthy at the pro-level, and if he does, he would be a fine defensive weapon.
Jack Allen - C - Michigan State - Center may be the one position the Redskins will absolutely have to address during the draft. Allen may not be the size of lineman the Redskins seem to be focusing on, but his character and leadership are top notch. Allen has great hands and feet, can pull and block, and really holds his own in the running game, despite being undersized at times. Allen radiates the football edge you want in your offensive line. If the Redskins draft Allen at 120, he would likely win the starting job at center.
5 - #159
Tyvis Powell - DB/FS - Ohio State - Powell has the size and athletic ability most teams covet at FS but was not as strong versus the run. Powell needs to work on his instinct and play-reading ability at the next level. Powell is quick enough to play nickle DB. Despite not being the best player on a very good defense, Powell made some crucial plays when it mattered most and you just can not teach "clutch". Coach Gruden recently spoke about the lack of depth at Safety. Powell could really benefit from some position coaching from Perry Fewell, as well. If available at pick 159, the Redskins would be silly to let his pass by. Powell is my favorite for pick 159.
Shawn Oakman - DE - Baylor - Physically, Oakman has amazing gifts... 6'9", 287 lbs, runs a 4.84 40yd dash...there is not many players 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 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.
Kelvin Taylor - RB - Florida - No doubt, the Redskins are aware of Matt Jones former teammate, Kelvin Taylor. Taylor also happens to the be son of Fred Taylor, former NFL running back. Taylor did not shine at the NFL Combine and even had a worse 40 time at his pro-day (the only reason he could still be on the board in the 5th round). Taylor, though, is a guy I feel like looks faster on the field and may just be faster with pads on than some running backs. Taylor does a good job of squeaking out extra yards using his footwork and angles. Smart, durable, rugged, football lineage...all football guy stuff.
Paul McRoberts - WR - Southeast Missouri State - McRoberts is a tall (6'3") receiver adequate speed who uses his size, reach, and wingspan well, many times, catching the ball at a high point. Big hand, long arms, and basketball background is evident when he boxes out DB's but could do a better job of getting back to the ball. McRoberts is not a very fast guy but has sure hands. Honestly, I feel like the Lions will nab him in the 4th round, but if still available in the 5th round, McRoberts could end up on the top of the Redskins board...and we could use a WR size and range.
D. J. Reader - DT - Clemson - Reader is a big, squatty, and strong defensive tackle. Rated as more of a rotational player, mainly against the the run, Reader could develop into a good 2-gap lineman and maybe even a strong, true nose tackle in the future. Most scouts seem to think he has been distracted the past few years, since his father's passing....and I can only imagine how hard that was for him. As the chance having a solid NFL career makes it's calling, my guess is the Reader finds focus and improves to take full advantage of his opportunity. The Redskins need to find a long-term, developmental solution to the interior of their defensive line and Reader may just be that guy.
6 - #188
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. Smallwood is my favorite for pick 188.
Pearce Slater - OT - San Diego State - Slater is a giant...6'7", 333 lbs on a massive frame. Slater was a JUCO transfer to San Diego State, so he only played two years in the Moutain West division, and despite not being a highly-sought prospect, earned first-team all-conference honors. Slater uses is long arms well and is rather nimble, for such a large guy. Slater could really struggle against speed rushers at the next level, but if given time to develop his technique, could be a towering addition to the depth of any NFL offensive line. He could go undrafted...he could go in the middle rounds...it all depends on what scouts think, but knowing McCloughan likes physical guys, he could temp the Redskins calling his name at pick 188.
Denver Kirkland - OG - Arkansas - Kirkland was a huge part of a pretty successful running game at Arkansas. Kirkland is a big, powerful run blocker, who moves into the second level well. Slater is known for playing through injury and showing a lot of heart. Considered more of a guard prospect at the NFL level, Kirkland has experience at tackle as well. Kirkland has struggled with his technique and his weight have concerned some scouts, as well, so he will likely still be on the board in the later rounds. The Redskins have to improve in the running game if they expect to continue to compete in the NFC East and Kirkland could certainly develop into a guy who could help.
Jake Rudock - QB - Michigan -Rudock ran a pro-style offense under Jim Harbaugh and showed improved with every game under center. Not a amazing arm talent, but has proven to be accurate and consistent. Rudock is more of a touch/timing passer. He needs to work on making quicker reads and getting more comfortable in the pocket and, for that reason, will likely slide to the later rounds. I think Rudock is a great developmental QB prospect and if available in the 6th round, could be attractive to any team needing QB depth. The Redskins have a starter in Cousins and a back-up in McCoy, but still would like a QB to groom and develop and Rudock may just be that guy.
7 - #233 #243
Jeff Driskel - QB - Louisiana Tech - Driskel was highly recruited out of high school, but has struggled to improve at his craft much 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.
Matt Skura - C - Duke - Skura is a 4 year starter from Duke who has always show poise, leadership, and good work ethics. What he might lack in pure power, he makes up for in technique and preparation. Though he is known as more of a finesse blocker, Skura does not shy away from the weight room and has never had any conditioning issues. The Redskins need to add a true center to develop and stabilize the middle of their offensive line. Skura may need some time to acclimate and adjust to the talent level in the NFL but has the instincts of a solid NFL center prospect. If available at pick 243, the Redskins should look his way. Skura is my favorite at pick 243.
Peyton Barber - RB - Auburn - Barber is a thick, powerful back who has seem relatively light action in College football, despite getting a load of carriers in 2015 (238 to be exact). Barber gets in and out of cuts with fluidity and show above average agility despite being more of a down-hill runner. If anything, he might move around too much at times. Barber does a decent job in pass protection, when needed. He would have benefited from another year of college ball but decided to come out for the draft early due to his family's poor financial situation. He is raw runner with low mileage. Barber has an above average football IQ despite having suffering from some learning disabilities. Besides reminding scouts of Marion Barber, he is actually related to him as well (2nd cousins). He will have to prove he can contribute on special teams and on 3rd downs, both areas the Redskins will need help with...so if available at #233 (and if the Redskins have not already addressed RB in the draft) Barber would be a sound investment for a 7th round pick.
Josh Forrest - ILB - Kentucky - Forrest is not the fastest ILB in the draft, or the most talented, but has proven to be a very productive player for Kentucky, who used him all over the field (even taking the occasional rep at safety). Forrest is a lanky, tall, thick prospect with good instincts. Looks the part of a potentially good edge-rusher but is more of a WILL linebacker or gap-blitzer. Forrest has fared will in match-ups versus tight ends and that makes him very valuable to NFL scouts. He improved his 40 time during is pro-day, so I doubt he lasts until the 7th round, but if still available, the Redskins may not be able to resist.
Steven Scheu - TE - Vanderbilt - Scheu was a productive recieving tight end at Vanderbilt, but lacks the size, strength, and blocking skills be a contributing starter in the NFL. Still, his receiving ability and knack for making plays may make him attractive enough to take a chance on near the end of the draft. He is tall, with a wide wing-span and can pick a ball out of the air. Scheu isn't very fast or run great routes, but as far as a developmental tight end, he does have some the qualities Gruden and McCloughan look for. The Redskins might target this guy (or another tight end), either after the draft or right here in the 7th round.
Dean Lowry - DE - Northwestern - Lowry plays hard every snap....I say that first, because it is his best quality. Lowry under produced overall at Northwestern, but did have flashes of strong play. Though developing slowly, he is likely coming of his best play yet and may much more competitive then his film shows at the next level. Lowry could be viewed by some scouts as more of a 4-3 DT instead of the 3-4 DE. Lowry is physically impressive guy... 6'6" and 296lbs. Lowry uses his size and strength well. Coaching on technique could help him take the next step at the NFL level, but, if nothing else, could be a great depth role-player for the Redskins defensive line rotation.
Decent talent runs deep in this years draft, which will have an effect on who teams draft...what I mean by that is, there could be a highly rated player who slides that sways teams that draft by a "best on the board" style to draft almost illogically (based on need)...which all makes this draft very, very hard to read. A number of decent JUCO prospects might create some surprises as well. Some of the best players, prior to the 2015 college season, are injured and where they land adds some very interesting situations to watch. I love this stuff...maybe too much.
It should be a great draft for the Washington Redskins and many other teams.
My Draft Projections:
1st Round - Pick#21 - A'Shawn Robinson, DT Alabama
2nd Round - Pick#53 - Jeremy Cash, SS Duke
3rd Round - Pick#84 - Morgan Burns, DB Kansas State
4th Round - Pick#121 - Tyler Matakevick, ILB Temple
5th Round - Pick#159 - Tyvis Powell - DB/FS Ohio State
6th Round - Pick#188 - Wendell Smallwood - RB West Virginia
7th Round - Pick#233 - Jeff Driskel, QB Louisiana Tech
7th Round - Pick#243 - Matt Skura, C Duke
You may notice one position of need I did not directly address in my draft projections...defensive end. Though this is a deep draft for most positions, it has a lot of "hit-or-miss" prospects that could play a 3-4 defensive end at the NFL level, meaning, it could be more of focus for after the draft from the undrafted free-agents left available. I just do not see any time where a 3-4 defensive end is sitting on top of the Redskins board unless one of the first round guys slides...even still, not sure they pull the trigger early on a defensive end. This years starter could very well already be on the team. Either way, I hope the focus is more about the best player available then drafting for need.
Hail to the Redskins!
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