Post First-Round: With Clausen Still Available, Do the Redskins Bite?

With the No. 4 overall pick in the 2010 Draft, the Washington Redskins selected Offensive Tackle Trent Williams, addressing by far their most pressing roster need.

In the aftermath of the Donovan McNabb trade, the Redskins were assumed not to have intentions in going after Jimmy Clausen, despite their obvious interest in the young signal-caller in earlier months.

Most mock drafts in circulation had Notre Dame's Clausen being chosen early on in the Draft, often by the Buffalo Bills. Yet after 32 draft picks, Clausen remains on the board--the only quarterbacks chosen were Sam Bradford, and shocklingly Tim Tebow.

The Redskins don't have a second-round draft pick, having traded it to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Donovan McNabb trade. The possibility still exists, though, that the Redskins might be able to trade back into the second round.

With Albert Haynesworth, Jason Campbell and Rocky McIntosh all trade possibilities, another team may be willing to take offers on their second-rounder. In an earlier article, I discussed the St. Louis Ram's potential interest in Haynesworth (and possibly Campbell).  Having chosen Sam Bradford, passing over Ndamukong Suh and missing out on Dan Williams, the Rams could conceivably hear offers for their No. 33 pick involving Albert Haynesworth.

If the Rams or another team allow the Redskins back into the second round, the question becomes whether Mike Shanahan and company can resist picking up Clausen.

Nobody expected him to be available at that point. The Redskins made the smart call by picking an elite offensive tackle in the first round.  Now, circumstances have changed, and the 'Skins can effectively have their cake, and eat it too.

I honestly believe at this juncture that the Redskins realize they have built their offensive line, and they have to know they might be able to snag a quarterback for the future. As many writers have pointed out, a rookie QB learning under McNabb would be a great sight to see.

Having held visits with Clausen and considered him as a possibility throughout this entire offseason, the Redskins definitely know how well the Notre Dame QB could fit in their scheme.  We know the Washington coaching staff likes Clausen, at least to some extent, and I think they have to go after him.

Clausen remains on the board, and I think the Redskins will seriously consider making a trade and taking him early in the second round. It will come as no surprise to me if Shanahan makes a play for the young QB tomorrow.

If we've learned anything from the Tim Tebow move and various other trades, it's that anything can happen. I guess we'll just have to wait and see...