Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for Washington Redskins' Top 3 Picks

Best player available versus need.

It's a needle new Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan must manage to thread during the 2015 NFL draft. That means he must take the best players who fit the most pressing needs still on the roster.

So it makes sense for premier pass-rushers, quality offensive linemen and ball-hawking defensive backs to represent best-case scenarios for Washington in the top three rounds.

What doesn't make sense is taking the best-player philosophy to its extremes and indulging in luxury picks. That's a sure way to load up at positions already well-stocked and stack talent on top of talent.

The Redskins can avoid that worst-case scenario by looking past bloated prospect groups such as wide receiver.

Find out what the best- and worst-case scenarios look like for Washington in each of the draft's top three rounds.

Round 1 Best Case: Picking a Top-Notch Pass-Rusher

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Nothing too imaginative here, but Washington's best case for Round 1 would be using their first pick to snag a top-notch pass-rusher. A defense that logged only 36 sacks in 2014 needs a player with a real talent for heating up quarterbacks.

Maybe the Redskins believe that player is 2014 second-round pick Trent Murphy. He showed good functional playing strength and plenty of smarts as a rookie.

But those qualities were most obvious when it came to setting the edge against the run. What Murphy didn't show was the explosiveness and dynamism needed to be a regular threat to the pass pocket.

So it remains to be seen if the former Stanford man can emerge as the appropriate bookend for Ryan Kerrigan. A first-round pick in 2011, Kerrigan has always had a flair for the big play. He's also gotten better every season he's been in the league, recording 13.5 sacks in 2014.

That number will make Kerrigan a target this season. He needs another pass-rusher to take some attention away from his side of the field.

Fortunately, the Redskins should see at least three of the top pass-rushers in this class still available at No. 5.

The best-case scenario would be seeing Florida's Dante Fowler Jr. still on the board. Sports Illustrated's Don Banks sends the ex-Gators star to D.C. in his latest mock draft.

It's a dream fit of need, talent and scheme. Fowler, who recorded 8.5 sacks in 2014 according to CFBStats.com, answers the need for another quality pass-rusher.

He also boasts the hybrid flexibility to thrive in a system set to be more varied under new defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Real Redskins blogger Rich Tandler and U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken both believe Barry's unit will lean on plenty of 4-3 looks, in addition to the team's base 3-4 front, in 2015.

Fowler is perfect for that plan. He told MMQB's Jenny Vrentas he's spent time at every linebacker position and even lined up at multiple spots along the D-line during his college days.

Picking Fowler may be safer than tabbing Nebraska's Randy Gregory, a prospect becoming increasingly defined by off-field concerns. If McCloughan is deterred by those issues and Fowler is off the board, perhaps he'll opt for speed-rushing sensation Vic Beasley.

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco sends the one-time Clemson ace Washington's way. Just to complete the picture, NFL.com's Brian Baldinger believes Missouri rush end Shane Ray is the right pick for the Redskins.

The theme is consistent and logical: A team needing pass-rush help can find it from a class loaded with top-end pressure specialists.

If they look past the position in the opening round, the Redskins will be turning their backs on a quartet of highly rated prospects. That simply doesn't jibe with any strategy focused on taking the so-called "best players" off the board.

McCloughan spent most of this offseason revamping the front seven. He added three new faces to the D-line during free agency to ensure a bigger, nastier unit up front.

Finding a potentially dominant edge-rusher would complete the picture.

Round 1 Worst Case: Entering the Wide Receiver Sweepstakes

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

This shouldn't even be under discussion. Not when Washington has three talented playmakers at the position, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts.

Even last year's fifth-round pick, Ryan Grant, has some promise as a possession-style mover of the chains. Maybe another surehanded intermediate target is needed (Greg Jennings), but you don't use a first-round pick on one of those.

Yet somehow, there are those who believe McCloughan and head coach Jay Gruden will engage in a bit of future planning after being wowed by the riches available in this year's receiver class.

CBS Sports' Will Brinson sees it as a viable scenario. Central to his argument are the contract situations regarding both Jackson and Garcon:

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Remember, Scot McCloughan is a best-player-available-type of guy. And Garcon/Jackson aren't locks for the long haul on this roster. Jackson's contract runs through 2017 but he'll be 29 after 2015 ends and facing the likelihood of his biggest weapon, speed, moving in a declining direction. He has a $9.25 million cap hit in 2017 but cutting him after 2016 would result in just $1.25 million in dead money. He's probably on the roster through 2016.

Garcon probably has only one year left with the Redskins. He's got a $10.2 million cap hit in 2016 (and $9.7 million in 2015) but would result in only $2.2 million in dead money (both players' contract numbers via Spotrac.com) if cut before 2016.

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This is one time where apparent fiscal prudence is actually dangerous thinking. Taking a receiver for the Redskins would be the best-player-available philosophy gone mad.

Need should never dominate a draft strategy. You don't choose an average safety just because you need help at the position. Every team wants good players at every spot.

But by the same token, that desire shouldn't come ahead of need. There has to be a balance.

So you don't load up on receivers, not when you need more help defensively, and not when you must, at some point (surely?), get around to retooling the offensive line.

Last season proved that no matter how much talent there is at the skill positions, the quarterbacks on this roster won't thrive without better protection. Robert Griffin III has already been given Garcon and Jackson. The idea that adding Cooper to the mix is the key to accelerating his development is foolhardy at best.

That's despite the financial uncertainty at the position. It's also despite McCloughan's drafting history, as noted by Brinson:

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Look at his draft run in San Francisco: the 49ers took offensive players in the first round during 4/7 first-round picks from 2005 through 2009. If you're thinking about life post-Garcon, Cooper probably matches up best with Jackson, though there's no guarantee he'll be there forever either.

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The term "offensive players" casts a pretty wide net. If McCloughan goes that route in Round 1, linemen should be his focus, not pass-catchers.

Rumors regarding Cooper lading in D.C. have lurked in the background most of this offseason. Fox Sports' Peter Schrager opened the can back in late February. Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson added fuel to the fire by revealing the results of a poll stating the Redskins are likely to draft a wideout.

Hopefully though, these rumors stay rumors and disappear once Washington's first pick is announced.

Round 2 Best Case: Adding to the Offensive Line

Hal Yeager/Associated Press

Using a primary pick on the offensive line would make every Redskins fan feel better about the state of the annual bane of the team's existence. Of course, McCloughan wasn't hired to make picks only with the fans in mind, but surely his own blueprint for rebuilding the roster has to feature a section on upgrading the O-line?

It would be negligent to stand pat with a group that surrendered 58 sacks in 2014. That's especially true when Gruden seems determined to adopt more power-based schemes in the trenches.

ESPN's John Keim noted how Gruden and new line coach Bill Callahan will want "bigger guys who can move." The most obvious spot to add one is at right guard, where Chris Chester is 32, ineffective and light for the position.

Former Duke mammoth Laken Tomlinson is a dream fit at this stage, all 6'3" and 323 pounds of him. He's a drive-blocking force inside.

On the edge, specifically at right tackle, the Redskins could opt for Ereck Flowers. Real Redskins blogger Rich Tandler believes it's likely because the 6'6", 329-pounder moves well for a man his size and fits McCloughan's preference for bigger players.

There's decent depth to this year's O-line class, particularly along the interior, where most of the top prospects are ticketed to come off the board in the second and third rounds.

McCloughan should be able to find a potential Week 1 starter at this stage for a front desperately needing more size and talent.

Round 2 Worst Case: Reaching at the Skill Positions

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Theoretically, general managers who follow the best-player-available model never reach. That's the theory, at least.

But it is possible for a GM to take a player his team might need a little too early if he believes said player is the best on his board. For Washington, that could lead to reaching at the skill positions.

Despite last season's 4-12 finish, the Redskins are one of the better-stocked teams in football at the skill positions. Garcon and Jackson are as good a pair of wideouts as any in the league, while few teams boast a third flanker as capable as Roberts.

At tight end, Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay can utilize two "move-style" playmakers in Niles Paul and Jordan Reed. One day, Washington's staff may even realize just how talented and versatile fullback Darrel Young is.

Finally, workhorse runner Alfred Morris keeps the ground game strong and productive.

When it comes to identifying what's missing, three things stand out. The first is a natural third-down running back, one able to provide a change of pace as a runner and challenge every level of defenses as a pass-catcher.

The next is a possession receiver able to boss the short-range and intermediate routes, providing struggling quarterbacks with a safety valve. Finally, a natural blocker at the tight end position would aid the porous O-line.

What do all of those positions have in common? They can all usually be found during the later rounds of a draft.

Washington may not even have to go that route. Chris Thompson is getting the "first crack" at the third-down back job, per Mike Jones of The Washington Post. The Redskins could even turn to a seasoned veteran such as Pierre Thomas, according to ESPN's John Keim.

As for a sure-handed receiver, Grant has the core skills to make that job his own, provided he gets the opportunities. Gruden recently indicated he would after suggesting a keenness to involve more weapons in 2015, per Stephen Czarda of the team's official site.

Perhaps Gruden still views Logan Paulsen as a capable enough blocker and goal-line outlet at tight end.

Even if he's not enamored with the in-house options, there are plenty of late-round prospects who can help out. John Crockett, Ty Montgomery and C.J. Uzomah come to mind.

The volume of choices means McCloughan should avoid being wowed by the likes of receiver Jaelen Strong, tight end Clive Walford and running back Jay Ajayi still being on the board in Round 2.

Offensive line, defensive back and maybe even inside linebacker rate as much bigger needs than landing a skill-position playmaker in a round where instant starters are usually found.

Round 3 Best Case: Find a Natural Free Safety

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

The depth chart for Washington's secondary will tell you strong safeties are not exactly an endangered species. They can't be when Jeron Johnson, Phillip Thomas, Duke Ihenacho and Akeem Davis are on the roster.

Yet the same depth chart will show you Dashon Goldson had better not struggle or suffer injury at free safety. If he does, it could be a long wait for a suitable deputy to emerge.

McCloughan can fix the problem easily by finding a natural free safety at the top of Round 3. Interception machine Gerod Holliman is worth a long look. Actually, any cover man who snatches 14 interceptions in a single season is probably worth more than just a long look.

The Redskins should also run the rule over Arizona State's Damarious Randall and Syracuse's Durell Eskridge. None of this trio should be expected to start from day one, but any member of the group would offer depth and potential at a key position that still looks thin.

Round 3 Worst Case: Ignoring the Secondary

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

It would be a terrible mistake for the Redskins to believe they've done enough to fix last season's 24th-ranked pass defense. That's despite McCloughan acquiring three new starters, Goldson, Jeron Johnson and Chris Culliver, from the veteran market.

Washington has even kept experienced corner DeAngelo Hall in the fold. But there are still questions surrounding this defensive backfield.

First, Hall and fellow vet Tracy Porter are both major injury risks. It doesn't help that David Amerson has failed to make the grade since joining the team as a second-rounder in 2013.

Then there's safety depth. Despite the quantity at strong safety, there's certainly an absence of proven quality. Meanwhile, Goldson looks like a lonely figure at the other spot.

The smart move is for Washington to find a touted defensive back who can play an important sub-package role and boost the rotation in his first year.

This draft should follow a simple pattern for the Redskins. McCloughan can use his primary picks to beef up the trenches, the central theme of his first offseason in D.C. Landing a ball hawk for the secondary to go with a pair of front-line talents would represent tremendous value.

By sticking to a not-too glamorous but absolutely necessary first step in the rebuilding process, McCloughan can avoid the frivolous pursuits of luxury picks and make his first draft in charge a major success.

All team rankings and player information via NFL.com, unless otherwise stated.