NFL Draft 2011: Do the Redskins Finally Get Their Quarterback of the Future?

The Washington Redskins thought their QB situation was solved in the short-term with the acquisition of Donovan McNabb last offseason. Mere weeks into the season it appeared the Redskins realized their mistake of acquiring McNabb, but it was too late.

Almost benched early in the season, McNabb played poorly throughout the year until he was benched late in a loss to Detroit. Varying reasons were given for his benching, but it could not have been clearer; the Redskins and McNabb were a bad marriage.

The McNabb saga was just one of many quandaries the Redskins faced in coach Mike Shanahan’s first season.

The Albert Haynesworth story seemed to thicken by the week. Finally having had enough, Shanahan suspended Haynesworth for the remainder of the season in December.

Shanahan implemented the 3-4 defense with Washington and hired Jim Haslett to run that side of the ball. It was a rough first season for Haslett as a once-proud defense had one of the worst seasons, statistically, in the history of the franchise.

Most of the problems with the defense were personnel related. The Redskins had many players who were more suited for the 4-3.

OLB Brian Orakpo thrived in this scheme, but he had no one opposite him to rush the passer. Having two outside pass-rushers is essential in making the 3-4 defense work.

The Redskins gambled on Ma’ake Kemoeatu to play nose tackle, but he wasn’t the same player as he was before leg injuries. Kemoeatu doesn’t lack effort, but he didn’t demand double teams, a must for a nose tackle in the 3-4.

Free safety was again an issue in 2010, as it has been since the unfortunate death of Sean Taylor. The Redskins, however, signed O.J. Atogwe of St. Louis to shore up the position in the immediate future.

So with many needs to fill, where do the Redskins go with their first choice (10th overall)?

Quarterback: Washington has lacked stability at the QB situation for years. For some reason or another, the Redskins have not found their QB of the future.

With Rex Grossman and John Beck as the presumed veteran QBs on the roster in 2011, this position needs an influx of youth and talent.

Picking 10th, the top two rated QBs, Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton, will both be gone. That leaves Jake Locker as a potential selection.

Locker possesses many of the talents Shanahan loves in his QBs. He is big, strong and athletic. He is a great runner, but those questions about his accuracy continue to be his biggest detriment.

Accuracy can be improved, but in some cases it is a fatal flaw. Locker has great character and will work hard. Perhaps since his baseball career is now over, he can focus solely on football.

The Redskins would appear to be a good fit for Christian Ponder. He is a perfect fit for the west coast offensive system and has excellent mobility.

Shanahan has always hid his intentions well. Don’t be surprised if the Redskins use their second-round pick on Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick. He has a tremendous upside and all the necessary skills to be a longtime NFL QB.

Outside Linebacker: The Redskins have a cornerstone for their future on one side with Orakpo. To take this defense to the next level, Orakpo needs someone to take pressure off of him.

Von Miller would be a perfect selection for the Redskins. But he will be long gone before the Redskins pick.

Robert Quinn, DE from UNC, could be an ideal selection. Quinn is an outstanding pass-rusher with the athletic ability to translate into an OLB in the 3-4. Quinn’s stock has been rising since an outstanding pro day. He may be gone before the 10th selection.

The Redskins could look at DE Aldon Smith from Missouri. He also was a 4-3 DE in college but has the ability to play in either scheme at the next level.

Brooks Reed is a second-round option but his stock has been rising. Reed, an OLB from Arizona, has drawn comparisons to Clay Matthews for not just his looks, but his game as well.

Nose Tackle: There isn’t a player who projects as a 3-4 NT who would be a good selection with the 10th pick. Phil Taylor, DT from Baylor, is the best of the bunch. Taylor’s stock has risen since the end of his senior season and looks like the perfect NT. Taylor, more than likely, will be selected in the latter stages of round one.

Stephen Paea, DT from Oregon State, looks more like a 4-3 DT. But Paea possesses unquestionable power and could be an option with the Redskins' second-round pick.

Kenrick Ellis, DT from Hampton, has drawn the interest of several teams. Ellis has questions but he has rare size and agility for a man of his size. He is looking more like a second or third-round pick. Ellis, like many players of his size, faces questions about his conditioning and work ethic.

The Redskins have many holes that will not be filled with just one draft. Look for the Redskins, at some point, to draft a QB. The question will be when.

The defense needs immediate help and Shanahan knows this. Look for the Redskins to use their first pick to shore up the defense.

Quinn could be an option, but may be gone. The Redskins would love to trade back, but obviously cannot count on that.

Look for the Redskins to stick with the 10th pick and go defense. Aldon Smith or Quinn would be the best bets. Prince Amukamara, CB from Nebraska, may be a dark-horse pick.

The Redskins will get their QB of the future in this draft, but don’t be surprised if they wait and go in a direction no one is talking about. Kaepernick, perhaps.