Washington Redskins Mock Draft: Potential Trade Up/Down Scenarios

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The Redskins will enter April's NFL Draft with some big holes to fill. While in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, the team also needs to address the offensive line and the defensive secondary,  acquiring any player that has the potential to be a game-breaker.

In terms of trade ammunition, the Redskins are sitting quite nicely with a No. 6-overall selection in a draft with teams destined to grab a star (i.e. Griffin III, Blackmon, Richardson) and two picks in the fourth round that could very well be a deep round in itself.

Predicting trade scenarios for the Redskins to move up or down is nearly impossible, but speculation is the best part.

Round 1: Trade Up to Land a QB

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The most common scenario discussed surrounding the Redskins and a draft-day trade include a potential offer to the St. Louis Rams that would position Washington to select at the No. 2 spot this April.

Most predictions have the Redskins offering their first and second rounders from this year's draft, in addition to their first-rounder in 2013, in order to land a quarterback like Baylor's Robert Griffin III.

While this potential deal sounds like a fair one for each side, the latest rumors regarding a free agent quarterback coming to Washington instead of a rookie starter are beginning to heat up.

In the case that the Redskins decide to move on Peyton Manning and look to get another three or four years out of him, then it's doubtful that Mike Shanahan would use the team's No. 6 pick on a stud quarterback prospect. And without the stud, there would be no trade-up.

Round 1: Trade Down, Address WR or OL

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Assuming that the Redskins aren't as in love with Robert Griffin III as much as you or I, perhaps Shanahan and the front office look to gain some value and trade back into the first round like last season.

With guys like Riley Reiff, Jonathan Martin and David DeCastro, the Redskins could trade back on the short (meaning somewhere back around No. 10-15) and land one of the draft's best blocking prospects.

If the Redskins are confident that they can land a playmaker like Baylor's Kendall Wright, perhaps they trade back a little deeper (somewhere between No. 18 - 32) and take a stab at the receiver.

In either scenario of trading back, the Redskins would add another draft pick to their arsenal, whether that be a third-rounder or an additional fourth or a fifth-round pick.

Rather than reaching for a quarterback at No. 6 that they're not totally in love with, the Redskins could address another need and look to add depth with the additional draft picks they acquire. I don't think fans could hate this.

Round 2: Trade Up to Snag Late 1st-Round Talent

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The Redskins' second-round pick is an intriguing one, simply because they can go in a number of different directions.

In my mock draft (which desperately needs to updated), I have the Redskins selecting Robert Griffin III in the first round. Whether the Redskins address the quarterback position in the first round or believe that they can address it effectively in free agency, the team will likely look to receiver or offensive line in the second round.

However, if the Redskins don't think that certain prospects could fall to them and the interest is there, then a trade-up to land potential first-round talent could be a possibility.

Names that could interest the Redskins—solely based off the fact that they interest me—are Peter Konz, Ryan Tannehill, Alfonzo Dennard and Zach Brown.

Aside from arguments for Tannehill, all three other prospects are guys that could teeter on the first round, but that more than likely have first-round talent.

Peter Konz is a dominating center that would play immediately, Alfonzo Dennard is a physical cornerback and linebacker Zach Brown is one of my favorite athletes in this draft class.

Tannehill would be a project, and his injury puts a hamper on his evaluation thus far, but I think he's a quarterback prospect that Shanahan would like. Albeit with limited experience, Tannehill has demonstrated impressive athleticism, arm strength, decision-making and mobility.

Round 2: Staying Put in the 2nd Round

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Taking on the role as complete hypocrite to my previous mentioning, the Redskins could easily decide to stay put in the second round and still land a touted prospect.

Receivers like Mohamed Sanu should be available, as well as cornerbacks such as Stephon Gilmore.

If the Redskins wanted to address the tackle position, Florida State's Zebrie Sanders should be available when Washington picks in the second round, and he could come in and hopefully start on the right side.

Another option for the Redskins could be to take on a quarterback project to learn behind a potential free agent signee, such as Manning or Flynn. Arizona's Nick Foles could perhaps fit the bill.

And just to make things a little crazy—as much as Shanahan loves running backs and as bad as the Redskins need a playmaker—Virginia Tech's David Wilson would make for a very interesting assessment.

Round 3: Trade Down from No. 70

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In a perfect world—at least in terms of my latest mock draft—the Redskins enter the third round with plans of taking a cornerback, offensive lineman or receiver. Things can obviously change between now and then, but I'm going to stay along that beaten path for now.

Sitting at No. 70, the Redskins have options. One option could be an attempt to move down in the third round while acquiring a fifth-rounder in return, possibly a fourth-rounder depending on how the chips fall.

Later in the third round, the Redskins could have a shot at Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler after a slight drop in his stock.

Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill may go slightly unnoticed after being a byproduct of the triple-option scheme in college. Hill has the speed, athleticism and size to impress at the combine, and maybe there's a little Demaryius Thomas in him.

Vanderbilt's Casey Hayward is a cornerback that is deserving of a third-round grade, and perhaps the Redskins could move around to better their value and select the ball-hawking defensive back.

Round 4: Trade Up Using Multiple Picks

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Armed with two fourth-round picks this year, the Redskins could attempt to throw together a package deal in order to move up into the third and take a run at Shaun Prater, Leonard Johnson or even Brock Osweiler.

Based off a very rough prediction, I would think that Shanahan keeps both fourth-rounders because of the talent that should be available and the fact that his team has more than a couple areas of need. But once the draft begins and others start to pull off unexpected moves, anything is possible.

Rounds 5-7: Shanahan's Bread and Butter

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Barring some sort of package deal that could include a fifth or sixth rounder, I expect Shanahan to keep his late-round picks and once again prove that he has an eye for talent.

Last season, we saw Shanahan draft guys like Maurice Hurt, Chris Neild and Evan Royster in the later rounds of the draft. Not only did each guy make the team, but each player received ample game experience and had their own signs of potential.

Not to imply that Shanahan is some sort of egotistical maniac, but I think he's flooding with self confidence. There's no reason to doubt that Shanahan will keep these late-round selections and turn them into at least reliable backups.

Some late-rounders that I've mentioned before are Grant Garner, Chris Marve, Jon Bostic and Boom Herron.