Washington Redskins: What to Do with Pick No. 13?

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

It is almost pointless for me to write this article.  We all know of Mr. Snyder's and Mr. Cerrato's harsh unpredictability.  For all we know, they may select a punter with the 13th overall pick. 

But what should the Washington Redskins do, and what should they not do, with the 13th overall pick?

First off, do not trade up. The Pittsburgh Steelers have an NFL-record six Superbowl victories, and they are known for relying heavily on the Draft. Every team in the NFL should use the same method to have success.

If the Redskins trade up, I fully expect Dan Snyder to give up his 2010 first-round pick.  I am, as I'm sure most people are, sick and tired of Snyder and Cerrato throwing away draft picks.  They can grab a perfectly legitimate starter with the 13th pick.

If the Redskins choose to select a defensive player:

1.) If available (and if defensive end/linebacker Brian Orakpo isn't available), draft defensive end Aaron Maybin or Everette Brown.  Right now, the Redskins have no standout starter at left end with the loss of Jason Taylor and Demetric Evans. 

Albert Haynesworth is going to need some help from the outside.  With a pass-rushing end in Maybin or Brown, we're looking at a defensive line that can reek some serious havoc. 

The defensive line is getting very old, so adding a talented rookie end to the roster will keep the line from falling apart come 2010.

Washington's defense was ranked fourth overall in 2008.  This was while ranked 28th in sacks and 17th in interceptions. 

With the addition of Haynesworth, and with the addition of Maybin or Brown, the Redskins' pass rushing ability takes a big leap. 

That means more turnovers, too, especially since safeties LaRon Landry and Chris Horton have another year under their belts.  Do I see the the NFL's best defense in 2009?

2.) Do not draft defensive end Tyson Jackson.  There is no doubt Jackson has great talent, but look at him: he weighs 295 pounds. He's practically a 4-3 defensive tackle. 

The Redskins are spending $100 million on defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.  The more support he has rushing the quarterback, the less likely it is we're all ticked off that we signed him.  Stopping the run is not our priority.

3.) If Maybin and Brown are not available, draft linebacker Brian Cushing.  The next two best pass-rushing ends are Larry English and Michael Johnson, both of which are probably not worth being picked so early. 

Cushing is an excellent pass rusher, and he can fill the void left by the loss of Marcus Washington. 

4.) If the Redskins trade down, they should trade down to the latter part of the first round, and there select the best pass-rushing end or outside linebacker available. 

If the Redskins choose to select an offensive player:

1.) Draft the best offensive tackle available.  Andre Smith or Michael Oher might still be there at No. 13. 

2.) Do not draft a wide receiver.  Yes, wide receiver is technically a need, but two second round picks were just spent on receivers in 2008.  Let's give Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly a chance to develop.  If a receiver is chosen, I will consider both this year's pick and last year's second round picks to be wasted.

3.) As for quarterback Mark Sanchez, I'm a little iffy. 

On the one hand, if Jason Campbell has a breakout year having had a year under the West Coast Offense, he may decline to re-sign with the team if Sanchez is chosen.  Campbell may find himself completely unappreciated by the team.

On the other hand, Sanchez is expected to do well in a West Coast Offense.  If Campbell has another average year in 2009 and does not re-sign with the team, Sanchez may save the Redskins from being terrible in 2010. 

I will say that if they want Sanchez, pick him only if he's available at No. 13.  Seriously, if the Redskins give up their 2010 first-round pick to select a quarterback this year, there will be some serious concerns at linebacker and defensive end for the 2010 season.

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Overall, I feel the most pressing need is defensive end.  The roster consists of Alex Buzbee, Andre Carter, Phillip Daniels, Rob Jackson, Chris Wilson, and Renaldo Wynn. 

Buzbee hasn't played a down in the NFL, Carter plays at right end, Daniels is 36 years old, Jackson was a rookie last year, Wilson is only useful in pass-rushing situations, and Wynn hasn't been a starter since 2005.

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