Redskins’ 7 Round Ideal Draft

Every year I write an “Ideal Draft Article” for the Redskins. I select 7-10 players I think could fall to the Redskins in an ideal situation. While some of these picks may seem unrealistic, falls from the first round like Landon Collins, A’shawn Robinson, or Reggie Ragland justify that anything can happen on draft day. The majority of the Redskins needs are on the defensive side, along with RB and an interior offensive lineman. If the Redskins can solidify an already talented team with two or three rookie starters this year, a deep playoff run is imminent.

Round 1 Pick 17: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama

If Bruce Allen and the Redskins’ front office select Foster with their first round pick, it would be the first time they’ve selected a defensive player in the first round since Ryan Kerrigan in 2011.

Foster would immediately transform a weak defense with his explosiveness and elite lateral speed. He consistently brings down the ball carrier with force and is involved with almost every play due to his smooth hips. He also shifts through traffic, as reflected in the GIF below, and is extremely flexible which allows him to make plays where other linebackers can’t.

Round 2 Pick 49: Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma

Joe Mixon is a extremely fascinating prospect. While his talent is arguably on par with the likes of Dalvin Cook and Christian Mccaffrey, off the field issues have caused his stock to fall. Though his actions should be condemned, he has shown responsibility and maturity since the incident occurred.

As far as his talent on the field, it is extremely impressive. He has burst from the first to second levels, and is both elusive and powerful as a runner. He utilizes great lateral agility and quick feet to fit through smaller holes or make adjustments before the line.

Unlike some RBs out of college, Mixon could be an elite 3-down back. He is a threat in the passing game, and also can stand in the pocket to block.

The only downside to Mixon’s game is that his vision and instincts are only average, as he occasionally bounces a run outside when it is unnecessary.

Round 3 Pick 81: Chris Wormley, DE, Michigan

The Redskins have acquired average or below average defensive linemen in free agency for the past three years as a solution to their defensive woes. Drafting Chris Wormley in the 3rd round would add size and athleticism to a struggling Washington defensive line.

Wormley is quick off the snap and stays low when engaging with offensive linemen. He is able to maintain a good bend around the edge in order to get into the pocket. Though he is nearly 298 pounds, his speed and agility allows him to excel while pursuing running backs in the backfield.

The three year starter for Michigan would also be a great addition to the locker room, as coaches and teammates have raved about his leadership abilities. While his pass rush is not excellent right now, he has shown potential with spin moves and hand usage to get off of initial blocks.

 

Round 4 Pick 114: Nathan Peterman, QB, Pitt

Whew, I absolutely hate addressing the Kirk Cousins saga because we should’ve resigned him long ago (Rip Scot), but Washington needs to draft a QB in the first two days of the draft. In my opinion, Nathan Peterman would be the best option.

Peterman has qualities you can’t teach such as his ability to work through progressions and great vision. He also has elite size for the QB position (6’2 226lbs). While in the pocket, he is able to maneuver out of sacks and make throws on the run.

He also, unlike Patrick Mahomes or other QBs rated higher than him, is accurate on on levels, whether it is deep, short, or intermediate. Coming from a pro scheme just adds on to his resume.

I have him as my #2 QB tied with Deshaun Watson, and he could make a valuable addition to Jay Gruden’s offense.

 

Round 4 Pick 124 124: Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama

Going into the offseason, the safety position seemed to be Washington’s most glaring weakness, but with Su’a Cravens moving to safety and the addition of DJ Swearinger, the crew is looking better. With that said, Eddie Jackson would be a welcomed selection.

Jackson is extremely athletic and instinctive. He can cover both TEs and slot receivers with his fluid hims and braking ability. Alongside that, due to being rangey and above average ball skills,  he is able to be a playmaker across the field.

In the run game, Jackson sifts through traffic to make tackles. With that said, he does take poor angles and is a poor tackler.

Jackson would give the Redskins a ball hawking safety who could develop into a single high safety to pair up with Su’a Cravens and DJ Swearinger.

Round 5 Pick 154: Corn Elder, CB, Miami

While Bashaud Breeland was rated as a top 15 CB by PFF in 2015, a terrible start to the 2016 season hurt him significantly. He’ll be a free agent following this season, and Allen needs to decide whether he is a viable CB2 option.

Corn Elder has great value in round 5.  Three important qualities to a good cornerback are instincts, physicality, and closing ability. Elder has all three of these. In pass coverage he is able to read the QB well and recognize route combinations.

In the run game is physical and aggressive, punishing RBs that come his way. He’s also an asset in press coverage.

One area of weakness are his hands, as he only has 3 INTs throughout his career.

For the Redskins he would fit in as a slot CB with an already talented trio of Breeland, Norman, and Fuller.

Round 6 Pick 201: Danny Isidora, G, Miami

While the Redskins already have a top 10 offensive line with Scherff, Moses and Williams, they lack a LG to make the group elite. In the 6th round it is extremely unlikely you’ll find a starter down the road, let alone a good starter. With that said, Danny Isidora has qualities that could make him an asset down the road.

Isidora possesses an impressive blend of size and speed for a guard. He has been solid in both pass protection and a pulling guard for Miami. He also is able to get the second level consistently for blocks.

Round 6 Pick 209: Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida

Caleb Brantley is a round 2 talent, but off field allegations caused his stock to fall exponentially. Adding both Brantley and Wormley to the defensive line would change the face of the Redskins.

Brantley has elite play strength and smooth hips. Alongside that, he uses a powerful swim move and punch to get off of blocks. Coming off of the snap, he is relatively quick and utilizes quick hands to pressure the offensive lineman.

At Florida he struggled occasionally with disengaging and never had a high snap count.

Round 7 Pick 220: Vince Biegel, OLB, Wisconsin

While last year OLB was arguably the Redskins strongest position, Trent Murphy was suspended, Preston Smith has a disappointing 2nd year, and Junior Galette had yet another season ending injury.

Biegel is a great leader in the locker room, and is also instinctive on the field. He is very flexible which allows him to get around the edge on pass plays. In the run game, he has above average pursuit skills to contain RBs on sweeps or counters to the opposite side.

Round  7 Pick 235: Damore’ea Stringfellow, WR, Mississippi

At this point in the draft a GM is just looking for flyers. Stringfellow has good body control and size (6’2 211 lbs) which makes him a threat deep down the field or in the redzone.

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