Washington Redskins' Mock Draft and Big Board: Updated Day 2 Predictions

Scot McCloughan threw something of a curveball when he selected TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson 22nd overall in the 2016 NFL draft, shunning many of the beefy defensive tackles who would instantly upgrade a soft Washington Redskins run defense.

Fortunately for the general manager, three of the front-seven warriors who were popular pre-draft mock picks for the Redskins are still available on Day 2.

So Washington's thin front line can still get the new lineman it needs or perhaps the most bruising linebacker in this class. Going in either direction would go a long way toward fixing a run defense ranked 26th in football a year ago.

But a safety who can cover is still needed, along with a running back who can move the chains and a formidable blocker along the interior.

Of course, some key talents at those positions heard their names called in the opening round. Prospects such as West Virginia safety Karl Joseph, Florida's Keanu Neal and Alabama center Ryan Kelly are now out of McCloughan's reach.

So he'll need to reshuffle a big board that nonetheless should still boast some elite talent and potential Week 1 starters.

Read on to find out who Washington should be targeting in Rounds 2 and 3.

Updated Big Board

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

The draft's best middle linebacker is still on the board for a team needing help at the position.

Day 2 is loaded with players who meet what McCloughan wants from this draft, namely tough and savvy types who can contribute quickly on a roster being built to be a bully.

Here's the updated big board after Round 1:

Washington Redskins Big Board

Rank	Player	Position	School
1	Andrew Billings	NT	Baylor
2	A'Shawn Robinson	DT	Alabama
3	Jarran Reed	DE/DT	Alabama
4	Reggie Ragland	MLB	Alabama
5	Mackensie Alexander	CB	Clemson
6	Nick Martin	C	Notre Dame
7	Jaylon Smith	LB	Notre Dame
8	Austin Johnson	DT	Penn State
9	Myles Jack	LB	UCLA
10	Christian Hackenberg	QB	Penn State
11	Michael Thomas	WR	Ohio State
12	Shilique Calhoun	DE	Michigan State
13	Jordan Jenkins	OLB	Georgia
14	Connor Cook	QB	Michigan State
15	Jordan Howard	RB	Indiana
16	K.J. Dillon	S	West Virginia
17	Tyler Boyd	WR	Pittsburgh
18	Vonn Bell	S	Ohio State
19	Justin Simmons	S	Boston College
20	Kentrell Brothers	ILB	Missouri
21	Jonathan Bullard	DT	Florida
22	Cody Whitehair	G	Kansas State
23	Derrick Henry	RB	Alabama
24	Emmanuel Ogbah	DE	Oklahoma State
25	Kyle Fuller	DB	Virginia Tech
26	Javon Hargrave	DT	South Carolina State
27	Noah Spence	DE/OLB	Eastern Kentucky
28	DeAndre Houston-Carson	S	William & Mary
29	Chris Jones	DT	Mississippi State
30	C.J. Prosise	RB	Notre Dame
31	Paul Perkins	RB	UCLA
32	Le'Raven Clark	OT	Texas Tech
33	Adolphus Washington	DT	Ohio State
34	Kenneth Dixon	RB	Louisiana Tech
35	Joshua Perry	OLB	Ohio State
36	Devontae Booker	RB	Utah
37	Pharoh Cooper	WR	South Carolina
38	T.J. Green	FS	Clemson
39	Vadal Alexander	G	LSU
40	Landon Turner	G	North Carolina
41	Sterling Shepard	WR	Oklahoma
42	Jordan Payton	WR	UCLA
43	Kenny Lawler	WR	California
44	Su'a Cravens	LB/S	USC
45	Kamalei Correa	DE	Boise State
46	Kevin Dodd	DE	Clemson
47	Jalen Mills	DB	LSU
48	Joe Dahl	G	Washington State
49	Sheldon Day	DT	Notre Dame
50	Eric Murray	CB	Minnesota
51	Jason Fanaika	DE/OLB	Utah State
52	Jihad Ward	DE	Illinois
53	Darian Thompson	S	Boise State
54	Cyrus Jones	CB	Alabama
55	Willie Henry	DT	Michigan
56	Kyle Murphy	OT	Stanford
57	Alex Collins	RB	Arkansas
58	Maliek Collins	NT	Nebraska
59	Harlan Miller	CB	Southeastern Louisiana
60	Xavien Howard	DB	Baylor
61	Christian Westerman	G	Arizona State
62	Juston Burris	CB	North Carolina State
63	Bronson Kaufusi	DE	BYU
64	Roger Lewis	WR	Bowling Green
65	Jack Allen	C	Michigan State
66	James Cowser	DE/OLB	Southern Utah
67	Joe Haeg	OT	North Dakota State
68	Blake Martinez	ILB	Stanford
69	Scooby Wright III	ILB	Arizona State
70	Cole Toner	OT	Harvard
71	Jacoby Brissett	QB	North Carolina State
72	Kelvin Taylor	RB	Florida
73	Sean Davis	FS	Maryland
74	Tyler Ervin	RB	San Jose State
75	Fahn Cooper	OT	Ole Miss
76	Tyler Matakevich	ILB	Temple
77	B.J. Goodson	ILB	Clemson
78	Brandon Allen	QB	Arkansas
79	Joe Schobert	LB	Wisconsin
80	Brandon Shell	OT	South Carolina
81	Evan Boehm	C	Missouri
82	Hassan Ridgeway	DT	Texas
83	Yannick Ngakoue	OLB	Maryland
84	Graham Glasgow	G	Michigan State
85	Jonathan Williams	RB	Arkansas
86	Carl Nassib	DE	Penn State
87	Cody Kessler	QB	USC
88	KeiVarae Russell	CB	Notre Dame
89	Jeremy Cash	S	Duke
90	Miles Killebrew	S	Utah
91	Darrell Greene	G	San Diego State
92	Charles Tapper	DE	Oklahoma
93	Ron Thompson	DE	Syracuse
94	Victor Ochi	DE	Stony Brook
95	Alex McCallister	DE	Florida
96	Tyrone Holmes	OLB	Montana
97	Josh Ferguson	RB	Illinois
98	Jayron Kearse	SS	Clemson
99	Kevin Hogan	QB	Stanford
100	D.J. Reader	NT	Clemson

Round 2, Pick 53: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama

Sure, the tackles Washington need and should want are still there on Day 2. Yet it's tough to see Jarran Reed, A'Shawn Robinson and Andrew Billings lasting until the 53rd pick. But Alabama's mean "Mike" linebacker Reggie Ragland just might.

Ragland has been diagnosed with an enlarged aorta "which requires yearly monitoring," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While Rapoport noted how the issue has pushed Ragland down the board, he also pointed out that as many as seven franchises believe it's "not expected to alter his football career."

In truth, the Crimson Tide tackling machine was already a polarizing prospect for his work on the field. There are concerns that this meaty bruiser is just a two-down player.

Honestly, so what if he is?

It shouldn't matter when what Ragland can do on those two downs is the essential business of stopping the run. He's a downhill, seek-and-destroy type who reads the run quickly and stops plays with a thud.

It's this combination of intelligence and brawn that makes Ragland worthy of a high pick. In all honesty, the cerebral aspects of his game are often overshadowed by the bruises he leaves on the field.

But this is a very smart, natural quarterback of a front seven, one who was expertly trained in Mobile, Alabama, by Nick Saban, arguably college football's top defensive mind.

If the Redskins put Ragland's imposing frame at the heart of their linebacking corps, they can feel a whole lot better about their ability to stuff running games in 2016. It's going to be a priority whether they like it or not, especially after NFC East rivals the Dallas Cowboys drafted Ohio State rusher Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall.

Two games facing Elliott and former Washington 1,000-yard rusher Alfred Morris running behind a mammoth O-line will represent a daunting challenge for a D that allowed a 31st-ranked 4.8 yards per carry last season.

If this still looks like a reach, consider that Washington plumped for Doctson so early because he was the "best player on the board," according to head coach Jay Gruden, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post.

Although the dreaded "BPA" moniker gives me chills, if those tackles are gone and McCloughan is satisfied by the medical reports, Ragland will be the best player on the board at this point.

Round 3, Pick 84: Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame

Washington can finally address its D-line need a little behind schedule by taking a chance on Sheldon Day in Round 3. If the former Notre Dame linchpin stays healthy, this pick won't look like a gamble; it'll look inspired.

Day isn't the thick-legged immovable block-absorber Reed is. Instead, he's a quick-twitch tackle who combines leverage and feline suddenness to live in the opposing backfield.

The 6'1", 293-pounder is a gap-splitter who can add dynamism to a pass rush McCloughan has already admitted he wants to boost during this draft, per Anthony Gulizia of the Washington Times.

Day has the traits to be the interior, pocket-collapsing complement to edge-rushers Ryan Kerrigan, Junior Galette and Preston Smith. While he doesn't dominate with size, Pro Football Focus offered this enticing description of Day's ability to generate pressure: "As a one-gap penetrator on the interior there aren’t any better in this class."

It's a description borne out by the four sacks, 13 QB hurries and 15.5 tackles for loss Day notched during his final year with the Irish, per CFBStats.com. His game-wrecking qualities also showed up well at the Senior Bowl, according to CBS Sports' Dane Brugler:

"

Notre Dame defensive tackle Sheldon Day is a tad undersized and can struggle in congestion, but give him any type of space and blockers don't have an answer for his athleticism and active hands. And that's why Jason Garrett and his staff often kicked him outside to defensive end where he could work one-on-one vs. tackles. Day has the first step explosion, low pad level and body control to create havoc.

"

Sliding outside is something Day did at Notre Dame. It's also one way he compares to current San Diego Chargers inside disruptor Corey Liuget. Washington defensive coordinator Joe Barry saw firsthand what 6'2", 300-pounder Liuget can do from a variety of positions when he was on the coaching staff in San Diego.

Day would give Barry a roving agent of destruction along the front, one who would add some much-needed big plays to the line rotation. He fits the one-gap style of defense Barry preaches, even if the front may be better served with a static lump of muscle like Reed or Robinson in the middle.

But Day must stay healthy after enduring a "lengthy injury history" in college, per Brugler.

If he can prove he's over those problems, he'll be a steal for Washington.

Round 4, Pick 120: Justin Simmons, S, Boston College

Associated Press

Simmons would provide help at two key spots in the secondary.

It's impossible to look at Justin Simmons and not see a natural safety. His build, movement and playing style all scream "pro-readiness."

His lanky frame is an asset when he roams the deep middle as a free safety. Meanwhile, his deceptive toughness shows up whenever he slides into the slot and plays cornerback.

This level of versatility should really appeal to a Redskins team needing competition and options all across the secondary. Simmons would immediately push for playing time in a threadbare safety rotation.

Duke Ihenacho and David Bruton Jr. are the obvious fits to play strong safety, but things are less clear at the other spot. DeAngelo Hall is still mastering the transition from cornerback, a switch not all players can make. If Hall can't, then Will Blackmon, another cornerback by trade, may be asked to drop back.

Things would look a lot better with a traditional free safety such as Simmons added to the mix. He'd certainly bring a nose for the ball to secondary coach Perry Fewell's contingent after snatching five interceptions and forcing a pair of fumbles last season.

His ability to play in the slot could also prove invaluable for a team that may be without Kyshoen Jarrett in 2016. Head coach Jay Gruden indicated that the sixth-round steal-of-a-safety who slid into the slot last season may have to sit this year as he deals with a problematic nerve in his shoulder, according to Breaking Burgundy's Neil Dalal.

Losing Jarrett means losing a key component of the sub-package coverage schemes, a loss Simmons would help offset. He doesn't hit for keeps, but Washington wouldn't need him to with linebacker-style safeties Ihenacho and Bruton in front of him.

Round 5, Pick 158: Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida

Associated Press

Taylor would be an instant asset in the backfield.

This pick stays the same, because Kelvin Taylor is exactly what Washington needs to acquire this draft. He's the ideal tough and versatile rotational running back who can complement and share carries with former teammate Matt Jones.

The latter is currently facing the daunting task of carrying the load by his lonesome since Morris joined the Cowboys. Support is in short supply as the nifty Chris Thompson battles back from shoulder surgery and Silas Redd deals with an indefinite suspension.

Jones won't even have the bonus of running behind the blocking of Darrel Young after the woefully undervalued fullback was let go.

McCloughan has to get No. 31 some help, and Taylor is the perfect candidate to provide it.

Watch any of his games from last season, and you'll see a smart, intuitive runner who picks his holes well and decisively while exhibiting an innate feel for the cutback lanes. He also keeps a stable, low pad level and rarely surrenders to first contact.

Add in some sneaky good receiving chops, along with the ability to block, and Taylor has "bargain" written all over him at this stage. Concerns about his speed shouldn't even cross McCloughan's mind.

This would be a true sleeper pick for Washington.

Round 6, Pick 187: Jacoby Brissett, QB, North Carolina State

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Brissett gives Gruden another arm to develop.

Gruden has already made it clear he'd like to see McCloughan draft a quarterback, according to CSNMid-Atlantic.com's Tarik El-Bashir. Washington's head coach is looking for an arm he can develop. He'll find it courtesy of Jacoby Brissett.

Gruden should appreciate the former NC State ball-spinner because he has the traditional qualities the offensive-minded coach wants under center. Brissett is a pro-style passer at his best, when he trusts the pocket.

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler explained why being well-taught prepares this young signal-caller for an NFL offense: "Strong arm to spin spirals and throw the entire route tree. Understands touch, controlling his ball speed to add juice or use trajectory. Experienced making NFL-style decisions, anticipating windows and reading different coverages."

Those are the things Gruden expects from his quarterbacks. Remember, this is a coach with a rather conservative view of the position. Just ask Robert Griffin III.

While Brissett also has some slick on his tires, he's a quarterback who looks to win with his arm first, leaning on his mobility only as a last resort.

He's also developed his craft at the same launching point where Seattle Seahawks' draft steal Russell Wilson accelerated his development. Brissett may not reach the levels of the best escape artist in pro football, but he'll be a worthy project for Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay.

The incentive to draft a quarterback is clear with Kirk Cousins set to play under the tag and veteran Colt McCoy as the only cover.

Round 7, Pick 232: Ron Thompson, DE, Syracuse

Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

Developing edge-rusher Ron Thompson represents terrific late-round value for Washington.

McCloughan has to be wary about Galette's recovery from a torn Achilles. He also has to keep a close eye on whether Trent Murphy can ever develop as a legitimate threat off the edge after recording only six sacks in two years.

In this context, it would be wise to pick up another edge-rusher, and Syracuse rush end Ron Thompson offers excellent value. An interesting pass-rusher who began life with the Orangemen inside at tackle, Thompson put up very solid numbers once he was kicked outside.

According to CFBStats.com, Thompson had seven sacks, four forced fumbles and 9.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, hinting at the natural playmaker within. At 6'3" and 255 pounds, Thompson has the length and bulk to win off the edge either as a stand-up rusher or when he puts his hand in the dirt.

The Redskins logged only 38 sacks a year ago, a number that must improve to mask a suspect safety lineup and again negotiate a division with two matchups apiece against Eli Manning and Tony Romo.

Adding Thompson's flair for getting home to the mix up front would be a good step in that direction.

Round 7, Pick 242: Darrell Greene, G, San Diego State

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Big Darrell Greene would provide depth everywhere along the offensive front.

You don't come across many 6'3" 321-pound blockers who can shift their weight as well as Darrell Greene can. It's a nifty range of motion that makes him such an intriguing late pick for the Redskins.

Greene played at multiple spots along the front five during his time with San Diego State. Washington would appreciate his versatility in a rotation that could use extra competition at every spot.

His brutality in a phone-booth approach to taking on defenders should also appeal to a front being built to dominate with power on notable line guru Bill Callahan's watch.

A suspension for failing a drug test during his time with the Aztecs is the obvious concern with Greene, and the main reason he's likely to still be around so late. The level of competition he faced in the Mountain West may also worry some.

But if McCloughan can satisfy himself that Greene is ready to commit to the pro game, he'll get a very useful lineman for Callahan to work into shape. 

Beefing up the trenches would be a great way for McCloughan to close out his second draft in charge. It's a priority he can't ignore after surprising many with his first-round pick.