Washington Redskins Mock Draft: Full 7-Round Team Prediction

No team has provoked a wider scope of debate regarding its intentions in the 2012 NFL Draft than the Washington Redskins. While mock draft pundits can offer one unanimous prediction for most teams, it is not uncommon to see a mock draft containing four different projections for the Redskins.

One thing that is clear is that the Redskins need a quarterback. If Mike Shanahan is truly committed to patiently building the Redskins through youth, then he must find his quarterback in the draft.

Shanahan can choose between Baylor star Robert Griffin III, Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill or even Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. But the Redskins coach must emerge from the draft with a clear plan at quarterback.

If the Redskins do turn to the instant gratification that a veteran as prolific as Peyton Manning could provide, they could then opt for LSU corner Morris Claiborne or his teammate, defensive tackle Michael Brockers, with the sixth pick overall.

The Redskins have seven selections in this draft and must also look to improve the overall quality of the depth on their roster.

Here is a list of projections for the Washington Redskins 2012 draft.

Round 1: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

This pick is made based on this author's honest belief that the Redskins will be outbid in their attempts to move up and select Robert Griffin III. The Cleveland Browns, armed with two first rounders, can offer more of an incentive to convince the rebuilding St. Louis Rams to part ways with the second overall pick.

It's worth noting that there is plenty to recommend Ryan Tannehill. At 6'4" and 222 pounds, he has the size that Shanahan likes in a quarterback. The former wide receiver also possesses the athleticism that will enable him to flourish in Washington's offense.

Tannehill has a strong arm and is accurate on the move. Questions regarding his limited number of starts are perfectly legitimate. But expect Shanahan to trust that his own expertise developing quarterbacks can quickly refine Tannehill's game and make him the opening day starter.

He may be a slight reach with sixth overall pick, so a trade back like the one Shanahan and Bruce Allen made with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 shouldn't be ruled out. This would ensure that the Redskins can continue to fill out the roster with plenty of youthful potential.

There is no doubt that Griffin III is the marquee pick. But there is enough upside to picking Tannehill for Redskins fans not to be too disappointed if the Texas A&M standout makes his way to D.C. instead of the Heisman Trophy winner.

Round 2: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

This pick is based on the "planet theory" of legendary head coach Bill Parcells from his time with the New York Giants. The theory alludes to the belief that there are only a small amount of defensive linemen on the planet big and strong enough to play 2-gap end in a 3-4.

Brandon Thompson is a powerful run plugger with starter's potential. He has the strength and aggression needed to hold up at the point of attack as a 5-technique end.

Kedric Golston and Adam Carriker are free agents, and Jarvis Jenkins is returning from a serious injury and has never played a pro down. The Redskins need more options up front and should secure another stout lineman for the rotation.

The at-home defeats to the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings revealed that Washington's defense can sometimes struggle to hold up at the point of attack. The Redskins could use another big body capable of commanding double teams and moving the pocket. Thompson is that player.

Round 3: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Stanford tight end Coby Fleener is a smart pick for the Washington offense. Explosive playmaker Fred Davis has had drug-related disciplinary issues. If Davis were to fail another test, he would likely face a one-year suspension.

Drafting Fleener would give the Redskins another weapon for the passing offense and provide good insurance against any potential future issues with pending free agent Davis.

NFL.com recently reported that fellow tight end Chris Cooley is set to make $3.8 million in base salary for next season. If the Redskins can't restructure the injury-prone veteran's deal, Cooley could be released to free up valuable cap space.

Fleener would be able to step in and provide an effective underneath target in the passing game. He is an intelligent route runner and a powerful, sure-handed receiver. He also offers better blocking ability than Davis or Cooley and would represent great value in Round 3. 

Round 4: Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

Andrew Datko is a mobile tackle who utilises quick footwork and displays sound hands technique. He would boost the depth of the Redskins' beleaguered offensive line and has the potential to develop into a starter in Shanahan's zone-based blocking schemes.

The 6'6", 321 pounder is a cerebral blocker who has good recognition of pass-rush moves. Pass protection is his main strength, but Datko's ability to quickly move along the line of scrimmage and be effective in space makes him suited to run blocking with zone techniques.

Initially Datko would provide genuine competition for shaky starting right tackle Jammal Brown. But he also has the attributes to possibly convert to guard in the future.

Round 4: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

Montana cornerback Trumaine Johnson represents tremendous value for the Redskins with the second of their two fourth-round picks. He has the range and instincts to play either corner spot or even free safety and would improve the overall depth of Washington's secondary.

The 6'3", 210 pounder would provide the Redskins with a big and physical press corner who could immediately contribute in nickel and dime packages. Although he takes risks, Johnson is an aggressive and ultra-athletic ball hawk who could bring some big plays to Washington's pass defense.

Johnson's playmaking ability extends to him being an excellent blitzer. He attacks downhill at great speed and would be a dangerous weapon when brought off the slot.

With the Redskins needing a third corner who can play nickelback and also lacking quality cover safeties behind LaRon Landry and O.J. Atogwe, Johnson would be an excellent selection.

Round 5: Brandon Lindsey, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh

For a long time this author has advocated the Redskins adding another pure pass-rusher to their defense. Outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan are charged with providing the main pressure threat in the base defense.

The duo are also required to do the same whenever the Redskins switch to a four-man line in nickel and dime packages. Drafting another rush threat would not only give Jim Haslett another lineman to attack blocking schemes with, it would also help ease the burden on Orakpo and Kerrigan.

Pittsburgh's Brandon Lindsey would be an absolute steal in Round 5. He is effective rushing from the open side of the formation thanks to excellent first-step quickness and underrated closing speed.

At 6'2" and 255 pounds, Lindsey has the frame and flexibility to rush from a two or three-point stance. Orakpo often moves over to the strong side in nickel fronts, so Lindsey could line up as a speed rushing end on the weak side for third downs and spell Kerrigan. Or he could even allow one of Orakpo or Kerrigan to act as a standup blitzer in a package featuring all three pass-rushers.

Lindsey is sometimes soft against the run, so a strict role as a nickel rusher would be the best way to utilise him. But he has a talent for the strip sack, and his presence could increase the versatility and turnover potential of the Redskins' third-down schemes.

Round 7: William Vlachos, C, Alabama

William Vlachos has the athleticism, intelligence and technique to compete for a place along the interior of Washington's offensive line. He is the kind of nimble-footed and crafty blocker who could excel in the Redskins' zone blocking system.

The Alabama anchor man's game is built around quick movement. He compensates for a lack of prototypical size by playing with outstanding natural leverage.

Vlachos would provide strong competition to incumbent starting center Will Montgomery and could also stake a claim for the left guard spot. The Redskins need better depth and additional options for their front five, and selecting Vlachos is a smart way address this need.

If They Can Repeat 2011's Draft Success, the Redskins Can Compete in 2012

The Redskins scored big in the 2011 draft. They landed a very capable defensive playmaker in Ryan Kerrigan and two starting-caliber runners in Roy Helu and Evan Royster.

Last year's draft also netted a capable reserve guard in Maurice Hurt and can still anticipate the prospect of Jarvis Jenkins and Leonard Hankerson returning from injury and fulfilling their immense respective potential.

If the Redskins can be as productive this April, then the team will be well-placed to make a strong push in the NFC East and force their way into postseason reckoning.

The quarterback issue looms large, and starting a rookie may not seem like the best way to begin a run at the playoffs. But this is not the same situation Heath Shuler entered in 1994.

The Redskins have a better structure to support a rookie passer, thanks to a rugged defense and a potent ground game. Given the success enjoyed as rookies by Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan and most recently Andy Dalton, Redskins fans and the organization can feel quietly confident about drafting a quarterback in 2012.