Washington Redskins' Final 7-Round Mock Draft
The chance to stock up on defensive talent will be one too good to miss for the Washington Redskins in the 2017 NFL draft. It's something a team with 10 picks has ample opportunities to do, starting Thursday, when the Burgundy and Gold can add a day one starter for the front seven in the first round.
The Redskins' chief scout, Scott Campbell, has already said how excited he is by the preponderance of quality defensive players in this year's class, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post.
Campbell's excitement is well-founded because the Redskins can also find potential starters for the front seven in Rounds 2 and 3. In fact, a dynamic edge-rusher and a versatile D-lineman should come off the board at this stage.
Washington's focus can switch to offense in the fourth round, where having multiple picks will allow the franchise to finally address the hole at running back. It may be a little later than expected, but the depth of talent at running back in this class should intrigue Campbell and team president Bruce Allen as much as the riches on D.
Another running back should come off the board late on, when the Redskins can take a chance on a small-schooler with a versatile set of skills. Those late rounds will also be an excellent spot to land a natural fit for the vital nose tackle spot in Washington's 3-4 scheme.
One more note on this final mock draft involves potential trades, particularly given the team's extra picks in later rounds. Although trades are possible, per CSN Mid-Atlantic's Rich Tandler, this mock will be sans such deals, since they are almost impossible to predict with any accuracy.
Read on for a final mock draft for the Redskins with the real thing almost upon us.
Round 1, Pick 17: Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
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Jarrad Davis may seem like a slight reach at No. 17, but there are ample reasons to view this former Gators' tackling machine as the ideal first-round choice for Washington.
For one thing, Davis is close to a complete inside linebacker. He boasts sideline-to-sideline speed to fly to the football in lateral pursuit but can also play downhill as a thumper, thanks to a stout, compact and top-heavy frame.
What sets Davis apart from many of the other prospects at one of the more loaded positions in this draft is his range and competence in coverage. He displayed a good feel for pass-coverage concepts and a keen understanding of zone drops during his time at Florida.
Fox Sports' Peter Schrager also thinks Davis is headed to Redskins Park in the first round, offering some interesting reasons why:
"Davis is going to go somewhere between 10 and 25 on Thursday, the question is where. Washington makes a whole lot of sense. An NFC executive compared the intensity of Davis to that of a pretty intense guy: Ray Lewis. Regardless of whether that’s hyperbole, the 240-pound linebacker runs a 4.58 40-yard dash and notched a 38.5-inch vertical jump at his pro day. He missed some time with an ankle injury in 2016, but he’s got the goods to be worth it at this spot.
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The Redskins reportedly already like what they see from Davis and are showing interest, along with the Indianapolis Colts, per Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst. The mention of the Colts is interesting because Washington D-coordinator Greg Manusky used to run the defense in Indy.
Davis compares well with former Colts inside 'backer Jerrell Freeman, a player flexible enough to stay on the field for all three downs. Manusky would be afforded the same luxury if the Redskins took Davis off the board with the 17th-overall pick.
The team has already done some solid work addressing inside linebacker by signing Zach Brown in free agency. Re-signing Will Compton, per Stephen Czarda of the team's official website, may make it seem like this position is no longer a big enough need to justify a first-round pick.
However, Campbell has already made it clear talent will factor above need during this draft, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post. Campbell also hinted his excitement about the defensive options may lead to a focus on that side of the ball with the 17th pick: "I know there's going to be a guy sitting there at 17 or if we want to move back, there's enough thickness of the group at several positions."
Campbell's assertion about character being an equally important factor in whom the Redskins draft, per Matthew Paras of the Washington Times, could also take several prominent names off the board at this point.
For instance, Alabama middle linebacker Reuben Foster, more highly rated than Davis, may no longer figure after a positive drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine. Foster has also not been invited to attend this draft after the incident with a hospital worker that saw him sent home from Indianapolis in February, per ESPN.com's Katherine Terrell.
Similarly, Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers could be out of Campbell's thinking after also testing positive at the combine, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Both Peppers and Foster had figured prominently in mock drafts as potential first-rounders for Washington. However, Davis now seems like the safer option.
Round 2, Pick 49: Jordan Willis, DE/OLB, Kansas State
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Three years ago, Allen used a second-round pick on a defensive end with conversion potential and who had rocked college football as a quarterback hunter. Trent Murphy was the choice after leading the nation in sacks, a selection that indicates Jordan Willis should be high on Washington's board in 2017.
The most productive edge player graded by Pro Football Focus, Willis has all the tools to play 3-4 outside linebacker in the pros and boost an inconsistent Redskins' pass rush.
His most obvious attributes are a relentless approach to beating blockers and collapsing the edges of the pocket. Willis' battles with offensive tackles are often wars of attrition, usually won by the 21-year-old after he has outhustled his opponent.
There is also a core power to Willis' game, a strength coming from a thick base and making him a true menace on the bull rush. Combine this skill with a relatively wide upper body, and he is reminiscent of former Super Bowl winner LaMarr Woodley, a Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end who converted to rush linebacker upon joining the NFL with no small amount of success.
Willis has been rising up draft boards recently, with The MMQB's Emily Kaplan succinctly explaining why:
"A 6' 4", 255-pound pass rusher from Kansas State—a defensive end who could transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker—Willis made a statement at the combine with a 4.53 40 time (best of all defensive linemen) and 39-inch vertical leap (second to Myles Garrett). At his pro day, he moved seamlessly between linebacker and defensive line drills, quashing concerns he appeared stiff on film. Scouts routinely compliment Willis on his hand work, a byproduct of working with Hall of Fame offensive lineman Will Shields, one of his mentors.
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The 3-4 crossover potential Kaplan spells out is hugely significant for the Redskins, who need another edge player for their scheme. Murphy's suspension, Junior Galette's off-field issues and Preston Smith's inconsistent production make this position vulnerable ahead of the new season.
It's no doubt why former Redskins general manager Charley Casserly sends UCLA's Takkarist McKinley to Washington in his latest mock draft for the league's official website.
However, as NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein detailed, health concerns may take McKinley off the boards for lots of teams: "McKinley had surgery on his right shoulder in March to repair a torn labrum and fracture in his shoulder socket. The recovery time is typically four to six months. I've spoken with teams who believe he could be on the PUP list to start the season."
Washington needs more immediate help here.
Murphy and Smith were both second-round picks in consecutive drafts for Washington, proof of the Redskins' willingness to take conversion projects and mold them into 3-4 pressure specialists.
Willis can make an identical jump.
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Round 3, Pick 81: Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson
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Carlos Watkins hasn't generated the same pre-draft buzz as many of the other more touted D-linemen in this class, but he is disruptive and versatile enough to make an early impact for the Redskins.
Watkins is entering the big league out of Clemson, a virtual production line of pro-ready linemen in recent years. Rob Rang of CBSSports.com noted the university "has produced nine top-100 draft picks since the 2007 draft, an average of nearly one per year over the past decade."
In fact, Watkins compares well with two of the more recent trench warriors to graduate from the Tigers. He combines the bulk and two-gap, lunchpail toughness of Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle Brandon Thompson with the gap-splitting dynamism of Atlanta Falcons ace Grady Jarrett, who tied the Super Bowl sack record last season.
At 6'3" and 309 pounds, Watkins can play over centers, stand up blockers and occupy double-teams. But he also boasts a quick enough first step and the decisive instincts to get into the backfield and collapse the pocket in an instant.
Watkins would offer a potential to start at either D-end and nose guard in Washington, where he would join free-agent arrivals Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee to help complete a necessary overhaul of arguably the weakest position group on the team a year ago.
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Round 4, Pick 114: Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma
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The fourth round should be the cue for Allen, Campbell and Co. to finally fix the situation at running back. It will be worth the wait if Washington's decision-makers take Samaje Perine 114th overall.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden will certainly be grateful to land the former Oklahoma bruiser. Perine has the north-south style, punishing build and physical temperament to batter NFL defenses between the tackles.
Gruden knows all about the value of a tough, interior grinder from his days as offensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals. Cedric Benson and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, both straight-ahead, durable pounders, produced 1,000-yard rushing seasons on Gruden's watch in Cincy.
Perine boasts similar potential thanks to his formidable 5'11", 233-pound frame, one ideal for handling a lot of carries and absorbing a ton of punishment. The ex-Sooners back is also a lethal goal-line runner, something Washington has lacked too often in recent seasons.
If you need one more reason to like Perine, consider this take from an unnamed AFC national scout (h/t Lance Zierlein of the league's official website), endorsing the player's work ethic: "I love Perine. Great kid, hard worker, reliable. He's a team-first player who will fit into a committee approach or can handle all the work. He will be a solid pro back."
Those not sold on Perine would naturally point to the lack of breakaway speed, along with the absence of shifty moves. It's true there are more dynamic and versatile running backs at the top end of this draft who may appeal more to the Redskins.
Two, in particular, are Florida State's Dalvin Cook and Stanford's Christian McCaffrey. Both backs paid visits to Redskins Park in the past two weeks for follow-up interviews, per Mike Jones of the Washington Post.
However, there are reasons to believe McCaffrey, in particular, will be off the board even before the Redskins make their first-round selection. For one thing, oddsmakers believe McCaffrey is a likely top-15 pick, per CSN Mid-Atlantic's JP Finlay.
Missing out on McCafrrey may not be such a bad thing, though, even if there is a lot to like about the former Stanford man's varied running and excellent receiving skills. Yet New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton told The MMQB's Peter King how McCaffrey's best role in the pros may be limited by his niche skills: "I've got a crystal-clear vision of the player. He'd be like Darren Sproles, Reggie Bush for us, kind of the Joker role [versatile back]. But I think you have to have a pitch count on him."
The Redskins don't need a niche player for the backfield at this stage. Instead, they need a chain-moving workhorse more productive than undrafted 2016 free agent Robert Kelley and more dependable than fumble-prone 2015 third-rounder Matt Jones.
Perine fits the bill perfectly.
Round 4, Pick 123: Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech
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The Redskins may have used free agency to retool at wide receiver after losing DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, but the team would still be wise to add another flanker in this draft.
Virginia Tech's Isaiah Ford would represent excellent value at the bottom of the fourth thanks to his fit for Gruden's version of the West Coast offense. Standing 6'1" and weighing 194 pounds, Ford possesses a solid frame with still room to grow.
In terms of his size, he has the body type and playing style to handle the responsibilities of a West Coast offense, where receivers are often tasked with winning across the middle and turning slants into big plays after the catch.
In fact, Rob Rang of CBSSports.com has described Ford as being "among the better flankers in this draft, showing the sharp route-running and hands to become a standout in a West Coast or spread scheme."
Those attributes mean this is a wideout with the potential to contribute quickly, even in a rotation filled with free-agent arrivals Terrelle Pryor and Brian Quick along with incumbents Jamison Crowder and Ryan Grant.
However, don't underestimate the level of talent the Redskins lost when Garcon and Jackson walked out the door. They were both 1,000-yard receivers in 2016, with Jackson arguably the best deep threat in football, while Garcon is one of the game's more effective pass-catchers working the middle.
There have to be question marks about Washington's ability to offset losing both, especially when Pryor has played just one year as a receiver, while 2016 first-round pick Josh Doctson appeared in only two games as a rookie thanks to injuries.
Snagging Ford would provide some useful insurance for a passing game still the strength of this team.
Round 5, Pick 154: John Johnson, FS, Boston College
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Round 5 is late to go hunting for a safety, a position seemingly always in need of being fixed by Washington. However, the Redskins may feel they are stocked enough at both spots to afford to wait and take Boston College's John Johnson 154th overall.
After all, the team has last year's second-round pick, Su'a Cravens, ready to play strong safety full time. Meanwhile, physical veteran D.J. Swearinger was also brought in during free agency.
The roster still contains DeAngelo Hall and Will Blackmon to play free safety if needed, so the Redskins may believe they are set here, even if they are the only ones who think so.
It would still be smart to take Johnson off the board considering he has all the fluidity and range of movement to act as the last line of defense for a secondary. Like Hall and Blackmon, Johnson has also spent time at cornerback and has the coverage skills to be matchup player in certain scheme tweaks.
More importantly, Johnson knows how to get his hands on the ball, having intercepted three passes, broken up nine more and forced a fumble in 2016, per cfbstats.com.
Johnson doesn't have the muscle mass to hit for keeps, and he's definitely more suited to zone techniques that allow him to keep players in front, rather than man coverage, where his timing can let him down.
Overall though, Johnson would be an interesting sub-package safety in Year 1 for the Redskins.
Round 6, Pick 201: Cameron Tom, C, Southern Mississippi
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Cameron Tom could be a steal late for the Redskins, thanks to his comfort with zone techniques that have formed the basis for Washington's blocking schemes since 2010.
Tom's ability to play over the ball should also intrigue a franchise weak at the position after Kory Lichtensteiger retired and John Sullivan joined ex-Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams.
Those losses have put converted guard Spencer Long as the likely starter at the heart of the front five for 2017. While Long is a capable scrapper, one who has developed steadily under the tutelage of noted O-line coach Bill Callahan, there's no doubt Washington needs more options at this position.
Tom is the option to choose, despite his relatively light 291-pound build. However, the player's long arms and smarts make him a useful presence along the interior.
Yet it's the scheme fit that should make the Redskins take a long look at Tom, per Rob Rang of CBSSports.com: "Proponents of zone-blocking schemes will appreciate Tom's quickness and agility. With a frame that appears capable of adding more mass without a significant loss of quickness, Tom is a quality developmental prospect with an exciting upside."
Washington still leans heavily on the zone-based principles that Gruden's predecessor Mike Shanahan first brought to town seven years ago.
Rang's comparison of Tom with new Cleveland Browns starter J.C. Tretter is also an enticing one, since Tretter is a skilled and intelligent pivotman who relies on sound technique to win his matchups.
Tom boasts similar traits, making him a center Callahan could quickly coach up into a surprise starter.
Round 6, Pick 209: Elijah McGuire, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette
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The Redskins made the right call bringing back pass-catching running back Chris Thompson, but this offense could still use another rushing and receiving threat. Enter Elijah McGuire, a true sleeper in Round 6.
McGuire has some of the best hands of any running back in this class. He is also blessed with a keen understanding of the passing game, from break adjustments and route progressions to reading coverage.
It's no wonder B/R's draft analyst Matt Miller has favorably compared McGuire with New York Giants veteran Shane Vereen, one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL. Yet while Vereen is a prolific receiver, he doesn't always get the props he merits as a runner.
It's a similar story with McGuire, who is solidly productive on cutback runs, thanks to good balance and decent acceleration. A troubling foot injury diminished those qualities somewhat in 2016, according to an unnamed scout from the NFC East (h/t Lance Zierlein of the league's official website).
However, McGuire's natural flair as a receiver, coupled with his big-play potential, should still make him worth the risk late on in this draft. The 22-year-old has all the qualities to be a classic, change-of-pace and sub-package back at the next level.
Round 7, Pick 220: Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, NT, USC
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Stevie Tu'ikolovatu is a sleeper pick in the seventh and final round, thanks to a size and playing style perfectly suited to playing nose tackle in a 3-4 base defense like the one the Redskins run.
When identifying Tu'ikolovatu's fit as a 0-technique, you have to think about the traditional idea of the position. He is a classic space-eater, one with the mass and low center of gravity to fill running lanes and absorb double-teams for fun.
What is likely to keep this formidable 6'1" and 331-pound behemoth on the board until the last round is his age. Tu'ikolovatu is 25 and will turn 26 before the new season begins. Combining his age with a virtually non-existent repertoire of pass-rushing moves, will be enough to put many teams off.
However, the Redskins shouldn't be among those so easily deterred. After all, this team lacks a credible man-mountain in the middle of its three-man line.
Former Cleveland Browns first-round pick Phil Taylor is the closest, but the 29-year-old hasn't played football since the 2014 season. He recently admitted to Redskins Nation (h/t Stephen Czarda of the team's official website) how he faces an uphill battle to make the final roster: "I haven't played football in two years so I've got a lot to prove. My name hasn't been around for a long time, so it's not about position and where I am playing but is about going out there and doing what I got to do."
If Taylor doesn't make it, the Redskins will be left with Ziggy Hood and McClain to compete for snaps over center. Both are capable yet both are also converted defensive ends relatively light to anchor a 3-4.
These issues make Tu'ikolovatu more than worth a seventh-round pick.
Round 7, Pick 235: Peter Kalambayi, OLB, Stanford
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The late rounds are usually a good place to try and unearth a pass-rusher with natural pressure-creating skills and some upside. Stanford's Peter Kalambayi has both, as well as ample 3-4 skills from his days at Stanford, making him a smart final pick for the Redskins.
At 6'3" and 245 pounds, Kalambayi is an obvious fit at 3-4 outside linebacker. While his numbers were never gaudy with the Cardinal, Kalambayi has good instincts for the scheme and can handle playing in space.
He could stand to bulk up his overall frame, specifically when it comes to adding some core power to win on the bull rush and compensate for a lack of elite quickness to get around the corner.
Overall though, it makes sense to add another outside linebacker here, considering Washington has question marks over every member of the depth chart, bar the always dependable and productive Ryan Kerrigan.
Using their ample cache of picks smartly and sensible to fill out the weakest points on a roster that is otherwise playoff-ready can ensure this year's draft is an unqualified success for the Redskins.
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