Washington Redskins 2012 Mock Draft: Grading Picks from B/R Community Mock Draft

The Washington Redskins B/R community mock draft was highlighted by some clever mid-round trades and more than one intriguing selection.

The majority of the picks addressed needs for the Redskins, specifically the secondary. Two picks were used to select defensive backs and a sixth-round choice utilised to identify a potential successor to London Fletcher.

However, there was only one new recruit for the team's suspect offensive line. Whether it comes via the draft or in the remainder of free agency, the Redskins must look to bolster their front five.

Here are the grades for the Redskins' picks in B/R's community mock draft.

Round 1: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Redskins made the blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Rams for only one reason: to land a potential franchise quarterback. This pick respects that purpose and lands the team the player many fans yearn to see calling signals this season.

Griffin's mobility, accuracy and arm strength could make him a dangerous weapon in Mike and Kyle Shanahan's play action-based passing attack. The Heisman Trophy winner may need to lose some of his spread offense tendencies, but he has the athleticism to terrorise defenses inside and outside the pocket.

Although he was not this author's first choice for the Redskins, there is no denying Griffin's potential to be a major talent at the pro level.

Grade: A-

Round 3: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

This selection marks the first of the mid-round trades made by the Redskins in this mock draft. This scenario has them moving back three spaces in Round 3 and obtaining an additional seventh-rounder. The new third-round choice is used to obtain Oregon rushing sensation LaMichael James.

Drafting value over need is a legitimate argument, and there is no doubt that James has the versatility and big-play potential to be a third-down threat in Washington. However, the needs the Redskins would be ignoring by selecting James are major weaknesses.

This third-round pick gives them the ideal opportunity to grab a potential starter along the offensive line, possibly Troy's James Brown. They could even decide to bolster the secondary by grabbing the best safety available or a hybrid defensive back like Montana's Trumaine Johnson.

With Roy Helu and Evan Royster showing promise and Tim Hightower still a possibility to return, the Redskins have plenty of options in the backfield.

Protecting Griffin will be vital, so Shanahan and Bruce Allen should use their second-highest pick this year to address the offensive line.

Grade: D

Round 4: Shaun Prater, CB, Iowa

Round 4 sees the 'Skins move up eight places by trading away their original fourth and seventh-round picks to net Iowa ballhawk Shaun Prater.

This is an excellent pick, and the trade would certainly be worth it if it meant getting the chance to select Prater. The diminutive cover ace has the closing speed and instincts teams look for in a zone corner.

He would answer the need for a competent third corner and nickelback. Adding Prater could also encourage Jim Haslett to utilise new signing Cedric Griffin at free safety.

Grade: A

Round 4: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Arguably the most interesting choice in this mock draft sees the Redskins using their second fourth-round pick on Wisconsin wideout Nick Toon.

After acquiring free-agent pass-catchers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, and with promising youngster Leonard Hankerson set to return from injury, wide receiver is not a position of need. This fact is compounded by the team having seven other flankers also on the roster.

However, a good portion of that number could be released. Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney, while still productive, are both over 30. Terrence Austin, Anthony Armstrong and Brandon Banks have all failed to take their opportunities.

Toon has the size and physicality Mike Shanahan loves at the position. He would give Griffin a big target in the red zone.

Yet as much as this author is a fan of Toon, this pick would seem better suited to targeting London Fletcher's hopefully long-term successor or adding another piece to the makeshift offensive line.

Grade: C- 

Round 5: Tony Bergstrom, T/G, Utah

The Redskins finally address their offensive line deficiencies by selecting Utah powerhouse Tony Bergstrom in Round 5.

Bergstrom is versatile enough to play at both tackle and guard. He possesses the frame, athleticism and range to develop well in the Redskins zone-based blocking scheme.

Bergstrom would provide valuable depth and competition for the right side of the offensive line.

Grade: B

Round 6: Jerry Franklin, ILB, Arkansas

Franklin is a smart choice in the sixth round with a pick from the trade that sent Donovan McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings.

The 6'1", 242-pounder has the upper-body strength to deal with guards and still be a force against the run in Washington's 3-4 front. He led Arkansas in tackles for three straight seasons and is an active presence in the middle and a fierce hitter.

While he lacks sideline to sideline capability and elite downhill quickness, Franklin could become a useful plugger in a 3-4 base. A more athletic player like Nevada's James-Michael Johnson could be able to contribute sooner, but Franklin is a good scheme fit for good value in Round 6.

Grade: C+

Round 7: Tramain Thomas, S, Arkansas

One of the best picks of this mock, Tramain Thomas rounds out the Redskins' selections as a smart seventh-round choice.

Thomas is an opportunistic safety who fills a need for a defense currently lacking a natural free safety. His best attribute is his ability to produce turnovers, making him a valuable commodity for a unit that often struggles to create big plays.

If Thomas can improve his timing and learn to stay disciplined in coverage, he could contribute a lot quicker than expected at the pro level.

Grade: C

The Redskins Must Focus on Need over Value

The Redskins must focus on need over value this month. This mock contains some smart choices, but also has the team emphasizing value over need with some prime picks.

Yet this is a risk the Redskins can't afford to take at the expense of key areas of weakness, such as the offensive line and secondary. The $36 million salary cap penalty has made the draft the team's best opportunity to solve these problems.

For this reason, trading for additional or higher choices, like the scenarios offered in this mock, is definitely something the Redskins front office should consider.

However, offensive linemen and defensive backs with legitimate starting potential represent the best use of Washington's mid-round draft picks.